Monte Carlo simulation of anisotropic grain growth in liquid phase sintering

Abstract

One of the key techniques in modern engineering ceramic system is microstructural control of anisotropic grain growth because grain orientation and shape proved to have an influence on mechanic, dielectric and electric behavior of ceramics. But until now, computer simulation for grain growth has not sufficiently addressed to this subject. The reason is that simulation algorithm was laborious because it has to contain mass transfer through liquid phase and especially anisotropic grain growth has to be considered based on interfacial properties in real system. The goal of present study is simulation of anisotropic grain growth in liquid phase by Q-states model. To give anisotropic inherency to grains, constraint on mobility to specific boundaries was applied. For comparison, we measured grain size distribution and deduced grain growth kinetics from relationship between average grain size and time. As a result, the grain size distribution functions become broader and the peak height decreases as the anisotropy is increased. The growth exponent 0.67 and 0.47 found by linear fitting have slightly different values in comparison with work of Grest et al. but similar is trend to the decrease of exponent with anisotropy.