Simulation of X-ray diffraction-line broadening for a material containing misfitting precipitates

The locally varying strain field in a matrix containing misfitting second phase particles and its effects on diffraction-line broadening have been simulated numerically. A two-dimensional model material has been considered: A matrix with a periodic arrangement of misfitting circular second phase particles. The strain field is calculated numerically from a micro mechanical model that in principle takes into account the elastic interaction of the misfitting particles. Diffraction-line profiles have been calculated as a function of particle fraction and particle/matrix misfit. Shifts and broadenings of these line profiles have been discussed with reference to known characteristics of Eshelby's approach for point imperfections. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.