Simulation of recrystallization microstructures and textures: Effects of preferential growth

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3-D) simulations of recrystallization were carried out using an approach where grains of different orientations are characterized by different nucleation and growth parameters. The aim was, by simulation, to study the effects of preferential growth on recrystallization under various nucleation assumptions. The simulations were based on the assumptions that (1) a material can be represented by two types of grains, one that grows 1.5 to 2.5 times faster than the other type; (2) the nucleation takes place either instantaneously when annealing is started or continuously during the annealing period; and (3) the nucleation sites are distributed either randomly or in clusters (around points, along lines, or on planes). These assumptions relate to common experimental observations. It was found that the nucleation and growth assumptions have very significant influences on the recrystallization characteristics. The preferential growth of one type of grain in particular affects the width of the recrystallized grain size distribution and the texture development. Furthermore, it was found that many different nucleation and growth assumptions can result in identical recrystallization microstructures and textures. The results of the simulations are discussed with reference to typical experimental findings.