Thermo-Calc 2018b Released with New TC-Python Features

Databases , Release News , Software
Monday 4 June 2018

Thermo-Calc 2018b is released in June 2018 and includes the addition of three key features to the TC-Python API and two new thermodynamic databases for metal oxide solutions (TCOX8) and Mg-based alloys (TCMG5).

pyex_T_05_Scheil-474x360 — A Scheil composition profile created in TC-Python showing a solidified Ni-based superalloy.

Highlights of the Thermo-Calc 2018b Release:

New Features Added to the TC-Python API
New Metal Oxide Solutions Thermodynamic Database (TCOX8)
New Magnesium-based Alloys Thermodynamic Database (TCMG5)
Updated Aluminium-based Alloy Thermodynamic Database (TCAL5)

Read the Release Notes

New Features Added to the TC-Python API

TC-Python is a Python^TM-based SDK that enables users to openly couple Thermo-Calc calculations with other software. The SDK is built in the popular Python™ language to give Thermo-Calc users access to many other programs, such as numerical packages like NumPy and SciPy, which can be used in combination with our calculations. It is truly a tool for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME).

Thermo-Calc 2018b adds three important features to the TC-Python API: Scheil calculations, phase diagrams and property diagrams.

Scheil calculations: You can now simulate Scheil-Gulliver solidification and estimate the solidification range of an alloy. All the configuration options of the Scheil Calculator (in Graphical Mode) and most commands with the Scheil module (Console Mode) are available to use.
Phase diagrams: Phase (map) diagrams have two or more independent axis variables. Everything you can configure in the Equilibrium Calculator when choosing Phase diagram (in Graphical Mode) as well as the equivalent Map commands (in Console Mode) are available.
Property diagrams: With property (step) diagrams, there is only one independent state variable and many properties can be plotted as a function of this independent variable. Similar to phase diagrams, everything you can configure in the Equilibrium Calculator when choosing Property diagram (in Graphical Mode), plus the related Step commands (in Console Mode), are available.

New Examples for TC-Python

Several new examples for each feature are included. You can use these to both learn about the use of TC-Python and as a way to build your own calculation simulations. Additional functionality, such as diffusion calculations and property models, will continue to be added in future releases.

Free Trial License for TC-Python

We are offering a free trial license of TC-Pythonto all users with a valid Maintenance & Support Subscription (M&SS) until the end of 2018.

All users with a current Maintenance and Support Subscription, e.g. those who have Thermo-Calc 2018a and newer, are being offered a free trial license of TC-Python until the end of 2018 so you can test the program and discover how you can integrate it into your overall workflow. Contact us to discuss the trial license.

New Metal Oxide Solutions Thermodynamic Database (TCOX8)

A new version of the TCS Metal Oxide Solutions Database (TCOX8) includes the addition of six new elements: Co, Mo, P, V, W, +Ar (only in gas) making it available in a 24-element framework. The addition of the new elements increases the number of assessed systems to 241 binary, 218 ternary, and 104 quaternary systems.

New Magnesium-based Alloys Thermodynamic Database (TCMG5)

The new version of the TCS Mg-based Alloys Database (TCMG5) has seven additional elements (Dy, Er, Ga, Ho, In, Sb and Sm). In this 31-element framework there are now 195 binary and 91 ternary systems, which includes 92% Mg-containing and 41% RE-containing systems.

Updated Aluminium-based Alloy Thermodynamic Database (TCAL5)

The updates to the TCS Al-based Alloy Database (TCAL5) includes an improved description of Al₇Cu₂Fe, an improved volume description, and Al₆(Cu, Fe, Mn) remodelled in Al-Cu-Fe-Mn.

Improvements and Bug Fixes

For Thermo-Calc and the add-on Diffusion Module (DICTRA) and Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA), a variety of bug fixes and improvements were done, including to the Quick Start Wizard and an improved interfacial energy function.