Phase field simulation of abnormal grain growth mediated by initial particle size distribution

The uniform initial particle size distribution was considered to be an important condition for the preparation of dense ceramics. With the rapid development of templated grain growth method, it is necessary to add large template particles into small matrix to promote the epitaxial growth of grains. However, abnormal grain growth will inevitably occur in this process. In this work, a phase field method was employed to study the growth behavior of the large grains into the small matrix. The effect of initial particle size distribution on the grain growth kinetics was investigated. Our simulations revealed that the growth rate of large grains slowed down as the initial grain size distribution widened. Regulating the initial grain size distribution will be an effective way to control abnormal growth of grain. It was found that the growth rate of a large grain was proportional to the number of surrounding grains. These results have implications for the design of the functional ceramics with a target grain microstructure. (c) 2021 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The effect of initial particle size distribution on the growth kinetics of grains was investigated. It was found that the growth rate of large grains slowed down as the initial grain size distribution widened. Regulating the initial particle size distribution will be an effective way to control abnormal grain growth.