Abstract

This thesis consists of a thermodynamically based kinetic model that more accurately predicts grain boundary mobility (GBM) over a large range of thermodynamic states including changes in temperature, pressure and shear stress. The form of the model was validated against calculated GBM values for Al bicrystals via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A total of 98,786 simulations were performed (164 different GBs, each with a minimum of 250 different thermodynamic states, and 2 different driving forces). Methodology for the computation of the GBM via MD simulations is provided. The model parameters are directly linked to extensive thermodynamic quantities and suggest potential mechanisms for GBM under combined thermal and triaxial loads. This thesis also discusses the influence of GB character on the thermodynamic mobility parameters. The resulting insights about GB character and thermodynamic state on GBM suggest an opportunity to achieve designed microstructures by controlling thermodynamic state during microstructure evolution.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Mechanical Engineering