MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF NUCLEATION AND GROWTH IN THE 3D NEAREST-NEIGHBOR ISING MODEL

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulations of nucleation and growth processes in an Ising-binary alloy model are presented. The evolution of the cluster size distribution function and its characteristic properties (mean radius and concentration of the clusters) has been investigated from the initial quench into the metastable region of the phase diagram until the establishment of the final equilibrium. All classical stages of nucleation and growth could be observed, the stages of steady-state nucleation, independent growth and Ostwald ripening. A quantitative analysis of the simulational results in terms of the theory of regular solutions shows the validity of classical nucleation theory in the region of the phase diagram considered and provides evidence for a size and structure dependent interfacial tension between the two newly formed phases.