Application of phase-field modeling to industrial materials and manufacturing processes

Phase-field modeling methods have advanced to the point where many metallurgical reactions and phenomena can be simulated, including solidification, segregation, precipitation and grain growth to name a few. The ability to predict phases and spatial distribution and concentration of constituent elements in real-world materials is of great interest and importance to industrial engineers. This capability can enable greater understanding of how microstructures and subsequently mechanical properties evolve during complex industrial manufacturing processes.There are numerous examples of phase-field modeling being applied to industrial materials and manufacturing processes. A review of these efforts provides some insight into the capabilities, potential further applications and challenges still ahead for this computational method.

► Article provides a summary of phase-field modeling and its current and potential future impact to industrial materials engineering applications.
► Examples of phase-field modeling application to aerospace materials are provided.
► The goal of ICME to link component, materials and manufacturing design by means of phase-field modeling are presented.