Vahid Fallah

Multicomponent phase-field crystal model for structural transformations in metal alloys

We present a new phase field crystal model for structural transformations in multi-component alloys. The formalism builds upon the two-point correlation kernel developed in Greenwood et al. for describing structural transformations in pure materials [Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 045702 (2010)]. We introduce an effective twopoint correlation function for multi-component alloys that uses the local species concentrations to interpolate between different crystal structures. A simplified version of the model is derived for the particular case of threecomponent (ternary) alloys, and its equilibrium properties are demonstrated. Dynamical equations of motion for the density and multiple species concentration fields are derived, and the robustness of the model is illustrated with examples of complex microstructure evolution in dendritic solidification and solid-state precipitation.

Early-Stage Precipitation Phenomena and Composition-Dependent Hardening in Al-Mg-Si-(Cu) Alloys

Al-Mg-Si-(Cu), i.e. AA6xxx, alloys are widely used light alloys which can be effectively strengthened through precipitation hardening. The final microstructure, and thus properties, of these alloys after common artificial aging treatments are largely determined by the composition-dependent nano-scale clustering and precipitation that occur during the earliest stage of aging. Therefore, multi-length scale analysis of the earliest-stage of precipitation can provide critical knowledge in understanding the basis for the microstructural evolution during aging and attaining the desired microstructures and properties. Here, we investigate the effect of alloy composition on the evolution of early-stage clusters and precipitates during aging at 180°C using high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results map a sequential evolution of clusters with an FCC structure but different morphology/orientation characteristics. GP-zones with structures other than FCC, also form in the early stages of aging. The composition-dependent kinetics of β” phase precipitation and hardening behavior are discussed in light of the results from differential scanning calorimetry experiments, microhardness measurements, and conventional transmission electron microscopy.