A model for grain growth simulation, in the presence of preferential particle distribution, is presented. The model predicts two grain size limits due to second-phase particles. Less than the maximal critical radius the grains will shrink. Greater than the minimal critical radius the grains will grow. Between the two limiting radii no grain growth takes place. These critical radii permit us to introduce the effect of the precipitates directly in the simulation procedure, without their assigning sites in the base matrix. In this case, all sites of the matrix are only occupied by grains. The conditions necessary for the development of secondary recrystallization in textured materials such as Fe-3%Si are, first, the stagnation of normal grain growth, second, the presence of special boundaries around the secondary grains. The grain growth simulation is performed until the grain structure was pinned, i.e. when boundaries become pinned. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.