Effect of martensite on {332} twinning formation in a metastable beta titanium alloy

•It is first found the modulated structure in the metastable beta titanium alloys after twinning and martensite deformation. Such novelty phenomenon is ascribed to a possible formation procedure of {332} twin: bcc matrix → {130} modulated structure twin (martensite twin) → {332} twin.•A model for calculating the shear and shuffling for twins is proposed. In such a model, the magnitude of shear and shuffling is calculated based on the twin plane and coordinate of atoms in the cell.•The deformation gradient for twining is also applied to determine the twinning types. In the present alloy, the {112} and {332} twinning systems are demonstrated to be preferential during deformation.•The present work suggests that the formation of {332} twinning is closely related to the modulated structure. Such modulated structure roles as the precursor structure during {332} twinning formation, leading to {332} twinning combing stress-induced martensite.