Monte Carlo simulation of Zener pinning in two dimensions

The effect of second-phase particles on grain growth was simulated in two dimensions with the help of a Monte Carlo method. A wide range of particle surface fractions was considered, from 10-4 to 10-1. Particle unpinning from grain boundaries was only observed for small volume fractions (f [less-than or equal to] 2 × 10-2). The average size of the grains in the pinned micro structure was investigated as a function of f and the fraction φ of particles interacting with the grain boundaries. The normalised stagnant grain size was found to scale with (φf) -1/2. These results are discussed in terms of the available non-random approaches of grain boundary pinning by particles. © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.