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Demonstrating the Temperature Gradient Impact on Grain Growth in UO2 Using the Phase Field Method

Journal Article · · Materials Research Letters

Grain boundaries (GBs) are driven to migrate up a temperature gradient. In this work, we use a phase field (PF) model to investigate the impact of temperature gradients on normal grain growth. GB motion in 2D UO2 polycrystals is predicted under increasing temperature gradients. We find that the temperature gradient does not significantly impact the average grain growth behavior, because the curvature driving force is dominant. However, it does cause significant local migration of the individual grains. In addition, the change in the GB mobility due to the temperature gradient results in larger grains in the hot portion of the polycrystal.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE - NE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-05ID14517
OSTI ID:
1214761
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-13-29944
Journal Information:
Materials Research Letters, Journal Name: Materials Research Letters Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 2; ISSN 2166-3831
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English