Microstructure evolution subroutine for finite element analysis

Abstract

Existing Finite Element Method software can be used in a broad field of material characterization, such as heat conduction, plasticity, electric conductivity or fluid mechanics. However, in terms of microstructure, there is a lack of sophisticated packages to thoroughly model the evolution of these parameters. In the present work, a simple but extensive subroutine is presented, to express the kinetics of precipitation and grain growth on the one hand, and the evolution of structural defects, such as dislocation density and vacancy concentration, on the other hand, in dependence of temperature and deformation rate. As a result, further technologically important material properties, such as yield strength, can be derived with the knowledge of aforementioned parameters. The basic functionality of the subroutine is outlined and the handling of the state parameters, which are used during calculation, are explicated.