On the design of controlled tricrystal specimens for the systematic investigation of static grain boundary triple junction properties

We consider the optimal design of tricrystal specimens for use in experimental studies of static triple junction properties. Important considerations in this regard are the stability and reproducibility of the tricrystal structure, and we develop a straightforward criterion for the selection of particular grain boundary misorientations and interfacial planes that meet these needs. A small set of particular cases is proposed to provide representative, reproducible and therefore comparable bases for the experimental study of triple junction properties. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.