Phase Transition and Pattern of Self-Organized Microstructures in Presence of Mobile Impurities

Abstract

AbstractA growth model starting from a surface and in presence of mobile nonreactive localized impurities has been studied for the statistical physics of the microstructure and the surface roughness through simulation. The model is based on the Eden model. The microstructure is described at the mesoscopic (particle) scale level. A dynamical repulsion effect on the front with the mobile particles has been investigated numerically. The presence of such mobile particles shifts the usual percolation transition for three-dimensional (3D) systems from 0.65 corresponding to static hindrances, to the value of 0.8. The particle pushing leads to an aggregation phenomenon with self-organizing particles near and after the interface. This leads to the formation of front facets, competition between faces of different orientations and surface roughening.