Computation of the Kirkendall velocity and displacement fields in a one-dimensional binary diffusion couple with a moving interface

The moving interface problem in a one-dimensional binary α/β diffusion couple is studied using sharp and diffuse interface (Cahn–Hilliard) approaches. With both methods, we calculate the solute field and the Kirkendall marker velocity and displacement fields. In the sharp interface treatment, the velocity field is generally discontinuous at the interphase boundary, but can be integrated to obtain a displacement field that is continuous everywhere. The diffuse interface approach avoids this discontinuity, simplifies the integration and yet gives the same qualitative behaviour. Special features observed experimentally and reported in the literature are also studied with the two methods: (i) multiple Kirkendall planes, where markers placed on the initial compositional discontinuity of the diffusion couple bifurcate into two locations, and (ii) a Kirkendall plane that coincides with the interphase interface. These situations occur with special values of the interdiffusion coefficients and starting couple compositions. The details of the deformation in these special situations are given using both methods and are discussed in terms of the stress-free strain rate associated with the Kirkendall effect.