A microstructural lattice model for strain oriented problems: a combined Monte Carlo Finite Element Technique

Abstract

A specialized, microstructural lattice model, termed MCFET for combined Monte Carlo Finite Element Technique, has been developed which simulates microstructural evolution in material systems where modulated phases occur and the directionality of the modulation is influenced by internal and external stresses. In this approach the microstructure is discretized onto a fine lattice. Each element in the lattice is labelled in accordance with its microstructural identity. Diffusion of material at elevated temperatures is simulated by allowing exchanges of neighboring elements if the exchange lowers the total energy of the system. A Monte Carlo approach is used to select the exchange site while the change in energy associated with stress fields is computed using a finite element technique.