Vector-valued phase field model for crystallization and grain boundary formation

We propose a new model for calculation of the crystalliztation and impingement of many particles with differing orientations. Based on earlier phase field models, a vector order parameter is introduced, and thus orientation of crystal/disordered interfaces can be determined relative to a crystalline frame. This model improves upon previous attempts to describe this phenomenon, as it requires far fewer equations of motion, and is energetically invariant under rotations. In this report a one-dimensional simulation of the model will be presented along with preliminary investigations of two-dimensional simulations. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.