A single grain boundary parameter to characterize normal stress fluctuations in materials with elastic cubic grains

A finite element analysis of intergranular normal stresses is performed in order to identify a possible statistical correlation between the and corresponding grain boundary type within polycrystalline aggregate. Elastic continuum grains cubic lattice symmetry are assumed analysis. Meaningful results obtained by analyzing first two moments on several types. Among five macroscopic parameters (5D) describing boundary, orientation plane relative adjacent crystal lattices (4D) found be most important property influencing stresses. To account for it, single new (1D) parameter E12 introduced, which combines geometrical aspect with its material properties measures average stiffness neighborhood along direction. It demonstrated that E12, combination Zener elastic anisotropy index A, able accurately predict stress fluctuations any symmetry. argued largest likely form boundaries whose normals oriented stiffest direction both (〈111〉 crystals A>1 or 〈001〉 A<1). Moreover, it shown classification according their propensity exhibit large can trivially reduced (analytical) calculation effective E12. few practical implications discussed relevant stress-corrosion cracking Coincidence Site Lattice boundaries. For example, highlighted face-centered materials coherent Σ3 twin boundaries, known very high resistance, nevertheless stresses, indicating resistance associated strength.