High resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomistic calculations of grain boundaries in metals and intermetallics

Abstract

A review of grain boundary studies in metals and alloys using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomistic calculations is presented, with an emphasis on the relevance of the results to grain boundary structure and properties. While a number of studies on boundaries in both pure metals and alloys will be discussed, the paper will focus on symmetric tilt boundaries in aluminum and the determination of compositional ordering at grain boundaries in Ni3Al. The conclusions to be drawn from these comparisons will be discussed, and future prospects for joint experimental and theoretical studies will be presented.