Topological evolution of thin films during grain growth

Abstract

Grain growth in thin films is a complex three-dimensional problem. It is shown by Potts model simulation how a bulk-like microstructure transforms into a columnar structure with a focus on the topology of the microstructure. Classical coarsening laws such as the Aboav-Weaire-law and the von Neumann-Mullins-law are fulfilled for the different stages of coarsening. Nevertheless, two types of grains are found in the film—namely columnar grains and non-columnar, spherical grains—that show clearly different behaviors. The results confirm the importance of modeling thin films in three dimensions.