STOCHASTIC CONTINUUM SIMULATIONS OF STRUCTURAL RELAXATIONS IN SOLIDS

A simple numerical model is presented which is based on the notion of local inelastic transformations (LITs) developing stochastically in th e elements of a 2-D linear elastic continuum. Although, the chosen geo metry of LITs was somewhat arbitrary, it became clear that the fundame ntal condition that assured non-trivial behavior of the model solid wa s that account was taken of the long-range elastic interactions of LIT s. A dynamic Monte Carlo method was used to study the kinetic and stru ctural aspects of relaxations in the model solid represented by a hexa gonal aggregation of interacting elements of the 2-D continuum. Result s are presented of simulations related to the order-disorder transitio n, undercooling, isothermal relaxations, etc., both with and without e xternally applied stress. The general success of the proposed model in furnishing good qualitative descriptions of relaxations in solids emp hasizes the important role of long range elastic interactions between LITs.