Long-range topological correlations of real polycrystalline grains in two dimensions

The topological and geometric properties of real polycrystalline grains in two dimensions are investigated on the basis of a large dataset (14,810 grains). The distribution of grain edges, the grain topology–size relationship and the short- and long-range topological correlations between neighboring grains are characterized quantitatively. The results show a strong short-range topological correlation between a center grain and its first nearest neighbors, and a trivial long-range topological correlation beyond the first nearest neighbors (on average). Both the short- and long-range relations are well described by a generalized Aboav–Weaire law reported recently. Meanwhile, it is the perimeter law, rather than the Lewis law, that describes appropriately the relationship between the topology and geometry of metallurgical grains.