This article describes the development of a new multi-platform software program called JMatPro for calculating the properties and behavior of multicomponent alloys. These properties are wide ranging, including thermophysical and physical properties (from room temperature to the liquid state), time-temperature-transformation continuous-cooling transformation diagrams, stress/strain diagrams, proof and tensile stress, hardness, coarsening of γ ′ and γ ″, and creep. A feature of the new program is that the calculations are based on sound physical principles rather than purely statistical methods. Thus, many of the shortcomings of methods such as regression analysis can be overcome. With this program, sensitivity to microstructure can be included for many of the properties and the true inter-relationship between properties can be developed, for example in the modeling of creep and precipitation hardening.

INTRODUCTION

    Tools that utilize thermodynamic modeling to explore the equilibrium and phase relationships in complex materials are being used increasingly in industrial practice.1 These tools provide signifi cant benefi t, but they often fail to directly provide the information required. For example, thermodynamic modeling helps toward the understanding of changes in phase constitution of a material as a function of composition or temperature. However, there is then a gap in translating this information into the properties targeted by the end user, (e.g., time-temperature-transformation [TTT] diagrams, mechanical properties, and thermo-physical and physical properties.

    The jump from thermodynamiccalculation to the fi nal understanding of materials properties is signifi cant. It can usually only be achieved through further experimentation if quantitative information is required or through the knowledge and experience of the user if guidance of a more qualitative nature suffi ces. To overcome these limitations, a new computer program has been developed2 called JMatPro, an acronym for Java-based materials properties. The program was developed to augment the thermodynamic calculation by incorporating various theoretical materials models and properties databases that allow a quantitative calculation for the requisite materials property to be made within a larger software structure.

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