Quantitative modelling of precipitation kinetics can play an important role in a computational material design framework where, for example, optimization of alloying can become more efficient if it is computationally driven. Precipitation hardening (PH) stainless steels is one example where precipitation strengthening is vital to achieve optimum properties. The Langer–Schwartz–Kampmann–Wagner (LSKW) approach for modelling of precipitation has shown good results for different alloy systems, but the specific models and assumptions applied are critical. In the present work, we thus apply two state-of-the-art LSKW tools to evaluate the different treatments of nucleation and growth. The precipitation modelling is assessed with respect to experimental results for Cu precipitation in PH stainless steels. The LSKW modelling is able to predict the precipitation during ageing in good quantitative agreement with experimental results if the nucleation model allows for nucleation of precipitates with a composition far from the equilibrium and if a composition-dependent interfacial energy is considered. The modelling can also accurately predict trends with respect to alloy composition and ageing temperature found in the experimental data. For materials design purposes, it is though proposed that the modelling is calibrated by measurements of precipitate composition and fraction in key experiments prior to application.
Graphic abstract
Nucleation kinetics in a multicomponent supersaturated solid solution is examined. Attachment rate of atoms to a nucleus of a size close to the critical one is determined combining a thermodynamic extremum principle and the Fokker-Planck equation. Two limiting cases are examined; when bulk diffusion controls the nucleation kinetics and when the process is limited by the interfacial mobility. The mixed regime is also treated. Moreover, the growth law in multicomponent alloys is derived in the general case, when both mechanisms are considered. Additionally, the attachment rate is derived, in the classical framework, from a new macroscopic growth equations and the fundamental role of the interfacial mobility is examined. These new general expressions, for the attachment rates and the growth laws, determined either applying the thermodynamic extremum principle or derived from the classical formalism are found to be consistent.
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