On the theory of the effect of precipitate particles on grain growth in metals

Abstract

A theoretical model of the energy changes accompanying grain boundary movement has been developed. It has been shown that small boundary movements will reduce the energy of a polycrystalline metal only when there is a heterogeneous grain size. The pinning force exerted by precipitate particles of a second phase on the grain boundary has also been considered. The release of grain boundary energy which accompanies grain growth has been considered as a source of energy for the unpinning process. The theory predicts a critical particle size which is dependent on the volume fraction of second phase, the matrix grain size, and the degree of heterogeneity of the matrix. Coalescence of the precipitate to a size in excess of the critical radius will permit grain growth to occur. Theoretical predictions of the critical particle size are in good agreement with values determined experimentally. The essential difference between grain growth and secondary recrystallization is indicated by the theory.