Large-scale three-dimensional phase-field simulation of multi-variant β-Mg17Al12 in Mg–Al-based alloys

Abstract

In this study, a micrometer-scale simulation of the precipitation of multi-variant β-Mg17Al12 phase in Mg–Al based alloy was executed for the first time to explore the possibility of using three-dimensional phase-field models for the design of high-strength magnesium alloys and for the optimization of the heat treatment schedules. To improve the scale and efficiency of the simulation, a method coupling a special interface treatment with parallel coding techniques was adopted to implement the phase-field model. The length scale in the simulation can reach 2.22μm×2.56μm×2.08μm. The model showed that the evolution of complex multi-variant precipitates with different orientations in a grain can be obtained. The morphological characteristics, average size, and growth kinetics of the multi-variant precipitates were in good agreement with experimental observations, which is of great significance for the prediction of the mechanical properties of Mg–Al based alloys.