Modelling and understanding materials microstructure evolution driven by interface energy

Abstract The importance of microstructure is clear from the large body of research made on quantitative analysis and modelling of microstructures. Many real materials have complicated topological and morphological features in their microstructure that are critical to their properties and functionality. Here it is shown that complicated microstructure changes of real materials driven by interface energy can be simulated by cellular automaton approach as the consequence of matter movement guided by interface energy differences. This has become possible by introducing a concept of “structural imbalance” which is used for the quantitative determination of the driving force for microstructure changes. The new modelling approach is used to simulate the grain growth and complicated morphological evolution of 2 dimensional particle coating. This approach aids in understanding microstructure evolution at a fundamental level. It can also be a more efficient modelling method capable of dealing with the complex topology and morphology of real microstructures.