About the Interfacial Energy Property Model

Interfacial Energy is a Property Model available when using the Property Model Calculator in Thermo‑Calc.

Interfacial energy is an important parameter used in precipitation simulations to calculate the rates of nucleation, growth/dissolution, and coarsening. The value of interfacial energy can vary dramatically (usually between 0.01 to 2.0 J/m2).

The extended Becker’s model functions to estimate coherent interfacial energy by using thermodynamic data from existing CALPHAD thermodynamic databases:

The extended Becker’s model functions to estimate coherent interfacial energy by using thermodynamic data from existing CALPHAD thermodynamic databases:

where coherent interfacial energy is the coherent interfacial energy, number of atoms per unit area at the interface is the number of atoms per unit area at the interface, number of cross bonds per atom at the interface is the number of cross bonds per atom at the interface, coordination number of an atom within the bulk crystal lattice is the coordination number of an atom within the bulk crystal lattice, and energy of solution in a multicomponent system involving the two phases being considered is the energy of solution in a multicomponent system involving the two phases being considered [1938Bec].

[1938Bec] R. Becker, Die Keimbildung bei der Ausscheidung in metallischen Mischkristallen. Ann. Phys. 424, 128–140 (1938).

The settings are entered on the Configuration window for the Property Model Calculator and described in Interfacial Energy Property Model Settings.

For an example, see PM_G_03: Driving Force and Interfacial Energy.