Generic precipitation model for FEM coupled with the Calphad approach

Important results from the project

The purpose of GEPRO has been to increase our ability to connect microstructure models with component-level calculations and thus enable ICME (integrated computational materials engineering). The goal has been to create routines for finite element programs where precipitation models are integrated to predict the microstructure evolution in a component subjected to a given heat treatment. Implementation of generic models whose usefulness has been demonstrated through calculations on components of Ni alloys has been in focus and verified experimentally.

Expected long term effects

The work in GEPRE has resulted in routines for how to link generic microstructure models to FE models. This has included how the material data needed as input to the model is generated and how to couple it with FE calculations while keeping the simulation time reasonably long. Instructions has been documented as support for the industrial implementation. The results are expected to have a positive effect on the industry´s ability to perform ICME for faster development of new materials, heat treatments and lighter components.

Approach and implementation

The project was divided into four work packages (WP). In WP1, available thermodynamic and kinetic material descriptions were evaluated for the systems of interest. A particle precipitation model was also implemented. I WP2, the model from WP1 was implemented in FE code and calculations for additively manufactured and conventionally manufactured samples were performed. The calculations were evaluated by comparison with experimental measurement results carried out in WP4.