Direct handling of sharp interfacial energy for microstructural evolution

We introduce a simplification to the previously demonstrated hybrid Potts phase field (hPPF), which relates interfacial energies to microstructural sharp interfaces. The model defines interfacial energy by a Potts-like discrete interface approach of counting unlike neighbors, which we use to compute local curvature. The model is compared to the hPPF by studying interfacial characteristics and grain growth behavior. The two models give virtually identical results, while the new model allows the simulator more direct control of interfacial energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.