Grain Growth Inhibition by Second Phase Particles : A Two-Dimensional Monte Carlo Computational Study

Abstract

A comprehensive 2-D simulation was performed on a square lattice under the influence of a second phase particle to validate the Zener limit. The effect of matrix sizes from 100 to 10,000 was examined on R(lim), R(max), Scaling constant(k), and impurities lying on the grain boundaries(ϕ). In addition, the optimum matrix size N=2000 under various second phase particles and Q states were investigated. The particle-pinned regimes developed a unique relationship between the Zener limit and the fraction of second phase particles resting on the grain boundary, i.e., R(limit)=1/eΦ It was observed that the particle fraction is proportional to the determined limiting grain size. The homogeneity and distribution of grains were observed to obey the lognormal behavior.