Aimsgb: An algorithm and open-source python library to generate periodic grain boundary structures

Abstract

An algorithm implemented in an open-source python library was developed for building periodic grain boundary models in a universal fashion. The software framework, aimsgb, aims to generate tilt and twist grain boundaries from an input cubic or non-cubic crystal structure for ab-initio and classical atomistic simulation. It can output a coincidence site lattice (CSL) grain boundary for a cubic input structure and a non-CSL grain boundary for a non-cubic input structure. This framework has two useful features: (i) it can calculate all the CSL matrices for generating CSL from a given Sigma (Σ) value and rotation axis, allowing the users to build the specific CSL and grain boundary models; (ii) it provides a convenient command line tool to enable high-throughput generation of tilt and twist grain boundaries by assigning an input crystal structure, Σ value, rotation axis, and grain boundary plane. The developed algorithm in the open-source python library is expected to facilitate studies of grain boundary in materials science. The software framework is available on the website: aimsgb.org.