Applications of Computational Thermodynamics and Kinetics on Transformations in Stainless Steels

Abstract: Stainless steels are high-alloyed, usually with multiple components and often also dual matrix phases, as for duplex stainless steels. This make predictions and calculations of alloying effects on equilibria and transformations complicated. Computational thermodynamics has emerged as an indispensable tool for calculations within these complex systems with predictions of equilibria and precipitation of phases. This thesis offers examples illustrating how computational methods can be applied both to thermodynamics, kinetics and coarsening of stainless steels in order to predict microstructure and, to some extent, also properties. The performance of a current state-of-the-art commercial thermodynamic database was also explored and strengths and weaknesses highlighted.