Let $f$ be a function defined on the set ${𝐌}^{2\times 2}$ of all $2$ by $2$ matrices that is invariant with respect to left and right multiplications of its argument by proper orthogonal matrices. The function $f$ can be represented as a function $\tilde{f}$ of the signed singular values of its matrix argument. The paper expresses the ordinary convexity, polyconvexity, and rank 1 convexity of $f$ in terms of its representation $\tilde{f}.$

We propose, analyze, and compare several numerical methods for the computation of the deformation of a pressurized martensitic thin film. Numerical results have been obtained for the hysteresis of the deformation as the film transforms reversibly from austenite to martensite.

We propose, analyze, and compare several numerical methods for the computation of the deformation of a pressurized martensitic thin film. Numerical results have been obtained for the hysteresis of the deformation as the film transforms reversibly from austenite to martensite.

A way of geometrically representing symmetric 2 × 2-gradients is proposed, and a general theorem characterizing sets of gradients is proved. We believe this perspective may help in understanding the structure of gradients and visualizing it. Several non-trivial examples are discussed.