The finite element calculations were used to represent a detailed picture of tensile stress evolution during island coalescence in polycrystalline films. Earlier models suggested that these stresses were produced only when islands initially coalesce. In contrast, the present model predicted that stress evolution was an inherent part of the growth process when 2 neighboring surfaces grow together to form a grain boundary. This view of coalescence stress was also consistent with experimental observations.

Intrinsic Tensile Stress and Grain Boundary Formation during Volmer–Weber Film Growth. A.Rajamani, B.W.Sheldon, E.Chason, A.F.Bower: Applied Physics Letters, 2002, 81[7], 1204-6