Simulating phase transformations with the Cahn-Hilliard equation -- Potential and limitations

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:305579

Loechte, L; Gottstein, G ^[1]

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1. RWTH Aachen (Germany). Inst. fuer Metallkunde und Metallphysik

An extension of the classical Cahn-Hilliard equation, including elastic interactions is presented. This generalized diffusion equation allows real time simulation of phase-transformations, such as GP-zone formation in a near-commercial {und Al}Cu alloy. No a priori assumptions about kinetics, diffusion fields, as well as precipitate shape are necessary. Shape of precipitates and kinetic of simulated GP-zone formation are in qualitatively good agreement with experiments of Sato and Takahashi, and the concurrently derived interfacial energies are reasonable. Two algorithms for a numerical solution of the Cahn-Hilliard equation are presented. While the simple finite difference scheme does not converge, a slightly more complicated Fourier spectral method behaves reasonable as tested for a synthetic chemical potential.

• OSTI ID: 305579
• Report Number(s): CONF-980405--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ALGORITHMS
ALUMINIUM BASE ALLOYS
COPPER ALLOYS
GUINIER-PRESTON ZONES
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS