Random Field Potts model with dipolar-like interactions: hysteresis, avalanches and microstructure

A model for the study of hysteresis and avalanches in a first-order phase transition from a single variant phase to a multivariant phase is presented. The model is based on a modification of the Random Field Potts model with metastable dynamics by adding a dipolar interaction term truncated at nearest neighbors. We focus our study on hysteresis loop properties, on the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure formation and on avalanche statistics.