Three-dimensional grain growth: Analytical approaches and computer simulations

A three-dimensional vertex model has been developed and applied to the simulation of normal grain growth. Several configurations, from single grains to polycrystals, were considered. The results were compared with the predictions of analytical models for the growth of grains with time. The models of Mullins, Hilgensfeldt, Glicksman-Rios, Cahn, and MacPherson-Srolovitz for the prediction of the volume rate of change of grains were Used for this comparison. In all cases, the simulations show good agreement with the different considered models. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.