The continuum field approach to modeling microstructural evolution

The majority of advanced engineering materials contain multiphase and/or multidomain structures. Their physical and mechanical properties depend strongly on the number of phases present and their mutual arrangement; the volume fraction of each phase; and the shape, size, and size distribution of domains (or grains). This article describes a continuum diffuse-interface field approach to modeling microstructural evolution and its application to a number of different processes, including precipitation reactions through nucleation and growth, structural transformations involving symmetry changes, and curvature-driven grain growth.