Microstructure Simulations

For developing new materials and optimizing processes, the simulation of microstructure formations and the computational investigation of influences from process conditions, alloy composition and external fields have gained essential importance for academic research as well as industrial applications. The phase-field method has demonstrated a wide potential in various applications to describe complex phase transitions and pattern formations. We apply a phase-field model for multicomponent and multiphase systems to microstructure formations in materials such as biological, geological systems and metallic alloys. We introduce extensions for inert particles obeying volume constraints and for coupling with fluid flow. To solve the dynamical equations, an extensive software package pace3D with parallel and adaptive algorithms has been developed. The influence of various physical quantities oil the microstructure properties can be evaluated by systematic parameter studies. We present microstructure simulations for different material systems, process conditions and external forces.