We report on a novel extension of the recently introduced phase-field crystal (PFC) method [Elder et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 245701 (2002)], which incorporates elastic interactions as well as crystal plasticity and diffusive dynamics. In our model, elastic interactions are mediated through wave modes that propagate on time scales many orders of magnitude slower than atomic vibrations but still much faster than diffusive time scales. This allows us to preserve the quintessential advantage of the PFC model: the ability to simulate atomic-scale interactions and dynamics on time scales many orders of magnitude longer than characteristic vibrational time scales. We demonstrate the two different modes of propagation in our model and show that simulations of grain growth and elastoplastic deformation are consistent with the microstructural properties of nanocrystals.

• Received 24 January 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.225504