Thermodynamics of grain boundary triple junctions

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Günter Gottstein
• Subject Area: Materials Science
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 33708596

It is proposed to measure the energy of a grain boundary triple junction line. This can be achieved by a measurement of the force equilibrium at a triple junction as established by the curvature of the adjourning grain boundary grooves at the root of the triple junction. A corresponding theoretical basis has been developed. The respective experiments can be conducted with an atomic force microscope, and first experiments were successful. Measurements will be performed on crystallographically defined triple junctions in specially grown tricrystals. First, pure metals will be investigated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants