3D simulations of grain growth in polycrystalline sheets and rods: Effects of free surface and shape of specimen

Abstract

A simple and efficient method for grain growth simulation is presented to account for the existence of free surfaces in polycrystalline solids. This method extends a phase-field model of grain growth, controlling the enthalpy and mean temperature of the system to maintain macroscopic shape of specimens. Effects of free surfaces and specimen shapes on the evolution of grain structure and the shape of individual grains in polycrystalline sheets and rods are examined. (C) 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.