Theoretical Solutions of Grain-Boundary Diffusion Problem. Approximations and Interpretation of Experiments

Abstract

Whipple's exact solution to the idealized grain-boundary diffusion problem has been evaluated numerically for ranges of parameters appropriate to existing and contemplated experiments. From these evaluations the concentration at the grain boundary, the integrated concentration at fixed depth of penetration, and the angle at which isoconcentration contours intersect the grain boundary are obtained, these results being presented in either tabular or graphical form. The ranges of validity of approximate solutions obtained by various authors are discussed on the basis of the numerical results, as is the use of the graphs and tables for the interpretation of experimental data.