Thermodynamic modeling and precipitation simulations of detrimental phases for long-term applications of austenitic stainless steel

Abstract

Thermodynamic model descriptions of intermetallic phases and carbo-nitrides that were observed in typical Ni-containing and Ni-free austenitic steel grades are developed. The assessed thermodynamic multi-component database mc_fe is used for analysis of current technological questions such as long-term behavior of materials under extreme thermal conditions. For this purpose, computational simulation beyond purely thermodynamic equilibrium calculation is performed using a consistent package of physical models, which describe interfacial energies, coherent and incoherent precipitation, and the evolution of particles as a function of aging time and temperature. Simulation results are presented and discussed in the framework of their technological relevance.