The phase-field method was used to simulate interdiffusion in ternary 2-phase diffusion couples. Model γγ’ alloys were designed such that changes in the microstructure could be attributed to coarsening or to the Kirkendall effect. For the present parameters, particle coarsening increased the average precipitate size, but had little effect upon the diffusion path. The Kirkendall effect, which was incorporated by giving the atomic mobilities differing values, changed the slope of the diffusion path, and led to the formation of so-called horns on the 2-phase diffusion path.

A Phase Field Study of Microstructural Changes due to the Kirkendall Effect in Two-Phase Diffusion Couples. K.Wu, J.E.Morral, Y.Wang: Acta Materialia, 2001, 49[17], 3401-8