Two-Dimensional Motion of Idealized Grain Boundaries

Abstract

IT has been shown by Beck¹ that the grain boundaries of a recrystallized metal, when annealed, migrate toward their centers of curvature. The concomitant reduction in the area of the boundaries, all having positive free energies when referred to an equivalent amount of crystal, provides the driving force for this motion. Thus, it is easily shown² that a boundary of mean curvature K and free energy per unit area a is urged toward its nearest center of curvature with a pressure given by p=Kσ. Such pressures and the motions they produce are now recognized to be responsible for normal grain growth³.