Analysis of the elastic strain energy driving force for grain boundary migration using phase field simulation

We investigate elastic energy-driven grain boundary migration in a strained copper bicrystal using an atomistically informed phase field model. In a bicrystal experiencing a uniform strain, the softer grain has a lower energy density and grows at the expense of the harder grain. In a bicrystal experiencing heterogeneous strain, the softer grain has a higher energy density, yet it still grows. Our findings suggest that the softer grain will grow, irrespective of the difference in the energy densities.