Simulation of particle growth and Ostwald ripening via the Cahn-Hilliard equation

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Acta Metallurgica et Materialia; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0956-7151(94)90010-8· OSTI ID:7175627

Kuepper, T; Masbaum, N ^[1]

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1. Universitaet zu Koeln (Germany). Mathematisches Inst.

The Cahn-Hilliard-equation (CHE) is a diffusion equation extended by terms taking interfacial energies into account. It has been established as a useful tool to understand phase separation of a binary system in a qualitatively correct frame. The authors study the processes of phase separation by numerical simulations based on the CHE. Specifically they consider the growth of particles in a supersaturated matrix as well as the process of Ostwald ripening. In both cases the results are compared with established theories such as Zener's law and the LSW-theory for Ostwald ripening. The numerical simulation, especially in the case of Ostwald ripening, can be helpful to answer open questions concerning the dependence of the growth rate and the asymptotic distribution of the particle sizes as a function of the volume fraction of the precipitate. As an example for the parameters of the CHE they have chosen the monotectic alloy aluminium-indium.

• OSTI ID: 7175627
• Journal Information: Acta Metallurgica et Materialia; (United States), Journal Name: Acta Metallurgica et Materialia; (United States) Vol. 42:6; ISSN 0956-7151; ISSN AMATEB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360102* -- Metals & Alloys-- Structure & Phase Studies
ALLOY SYSTEMS
ALLOYS
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
BINARY ALLOY SYSTEMS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DATA
GRAIN GROWTH
GRAIN SIZE
INDIUM ALLOYS
INFORMATION
MICROSTRUCTURE
NUMERICAL DATA
SIMULATION
SIZE
THEORETICAL DATA