The computer simulation of microstructural evolution

This paper reviews the kinetic Monte Carlo Potts model for simulating microstructural evolution. When properly implemented, that model provides a fast and flexible tool for evaluating a variety of materials systems in two and three dimensions, generating snapshots of the evolving microstructure with time. Examples of the model are provided, along with potential applications. Editor’s Note: A hypertext-enhanced version of this article can be found at www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/0109/Holm-0109.html. For more information, contact E.A. Holm, Sandia National Laboratories, Materials and Process Modeling, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1411; (505) 844-7669; fax (505) 844-9781; e-mail eaholm@sandia.gov.