Modeling of formation of precipitate-free zone

Formation of precipitate-free zones due to the growth of intergranular precipitates on account of intragranular precipitates in the nearest vicinity of the grain boundary represents a significant degradation of the material. The loss of strength of the material in the precipitate-free zone allows propagation of cracks in the zones and causes embrittlement of the material. Based on application of the thermodynamic extremal principle a robust model is derived, which allows the description of the kinetics of formation of the precipitate-free zone. Several simulations based on the model are performed and the results are discussed.