Methods for the Simulation of Micro Components With Respect to the Grain Structure

The development of smaller and smaller micro components and systems is an ongoing process. Effects coming along with this process have to be investigated. A polycrystalline material consists of grains with different orientations. Therefore, a micromechanical model of a polycrystalline material for a Finite Element analysis should consider the grain structure. Studies show that with decreasing size of a micro component its grain structure and material anisotropy gain more and more influence on its stress, strain and flow of forces. In order to ensure a reliable dimensioning of micro components the influence of the grain structure and material’s anisotropy upon the stress and stress distribution has to be investigated. For this purpose, experimental work for characterizing materials’ properties is supplemented by numerical analyses. On the one hand, these analyses allow examining specific influences on the mechanical stress. On the other hand, micromechanical modeling has potential to increase the understanding of material behavior. Methods for modeling two- and three-dimensional micro components with complex grain structures including defects such as pores are presented and compared. The consideration of effects coming along with the grain structure makes a contribution to a reliable dimensioning of micro components with distinct grain structures.