Optimization and Design of Preparation Process for Ni-Based Superalloys Based on the Phase-Field Simulation

Quantitative description of the microstructure during materials preparation is the key to material design. In recent years,the phase-field simulation coupling with the CALPHAD( CALculation of PHAse Diagram) thermodynamic and atomic mobility databases has become an effective way to quantitatively simulate the microstructure evolution. The Ni-based superalloys are widely used as the main candidates for the high-temperature parts in aircraft engines,gas turbine blades etc. and the optimization and design of their preparation processes have been a research hotspot and challenge for materials researchers all over the world. The present paper starts from the outline of the phase-field method and its latest development,as well as the development of coupling technique between the phase-field method and CALPHAD databases. After that,the reports on quantitative phase-field simulation of microstructure evolution in Ni-based superalloys during solidification,solution and aging heat treatment available in the literature are described in detail,followed by presenting the feasible ways to establish the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-based superalloys. Subsequently,two examples for demonstrating the optimization and design of the solution and aging heat treatments of Ni-based superalloys based on the quantitative phasefield simulation are given,further indicating the importance of the phase-field simulation in the design of high-performance Nibased superalloys. Finally,the major problems and the development trends for the quantitative phase-field simulation of microstructure evolution and its subsequent processes optimization and design in Ni-based superalloys are also pointed out.