Equilibrium statistical mechanics of a grain boundary
In this article we introduce, develop and discuss the theoretical calculations required for the exact solution of a recently reported transition, the geodesic to zigzag transition. In this scenario the interfacial transition emerges from geometric competition between a geodesic, shortest path, confi...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Journal article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
American Physical Society
2005
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| Subjects: |
| Summary: | In this article we introduce, develop and discuss the theoretical calculations required for the exact solution of a recently reported transition, the geodesic to zigzag transition. In this scenario the interfacial transition emerges from geometric competition between a geodesic, shortest path, configuration and a zigzag configuration which is able to reduce its energy by binding to a centrally positioned defect line. From a technical point of view the transition is unusual as it is described by a change from saddle dominated behavior to pole dominated behavior of the integral representing the partition function ratio. We also establish the precise fluctuation behavior of the interface by computing the spin magnetization at any point in the system. |
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