Thermo-Calc 2017a is here!

DICTRA Available in the Graphical Mode

The software program for accurate simulation of diffusion controlled reactions in multicomponent alloy systems formerly known as DICTRA is available in the graphical mode for the first time ever as an add-on module in Thermo-Calc 2017a. The new graphical version, known as the Diffusion Module, incorporates much of the functionality of the console mode version of DICTRA with the easy-to-use graphical interface of Thermo-Calc, making it easier than ever for users to begin making diffusion simulations. The new graphical mode comes complete with four examples and a Quick Start Guide to help users begin working in the Module immediately. Users without a DICTRA license will be able to test the module using DEMO databases included in their software.

User Developed Property Models

A new Property Model Development Framework allows users to develop their own property models and seamlessly integrate them into Thermo-Calc. This new framework vastly expands what users can do with the software by allowing you to customise the software to meet your modelling needs.

Models are developed using the easy-to-learn programming language Python, and model development is possible without any additional installation using a simple editor, such as Notepad++. Users can also use a Python Integrated Development Environment to access advanced features such as debugging of the property models and autocompletion.

Models are automatically encrypted, for safe and secure file sharing.

Learn more and get started using  the step-by-step model development guide.

New Liquidus and Solidus Model

The Property Model Calculator has a new Liquidus and Solidus model which makes it fast and easy to complete this common calculation. For example, with this model one can easily use uncertainty calculations, varying one or more conditions, and see how that affects the liquidus and solidus temperatures.

Table Renderer in the Property Model Calculator

The Property Model Calculator now has a table renderer, making it easier to read results. Results can also be exported in a variety of formats.

Improved Contour Plots

Contour plots are now easier to read with improved plotting that makes figures the same colour as the lines they reference and follow the same gradient.

Examples Available in the Software

Examples can now be accessed from within the software in the Help menu > Open Examples. The examples files are fully configured and ready to run. Users who do not have a Diffusion Module (DICTRA) or Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA) license can run the examples with only two elements using the free DEMO databases included in your software.

PDF Documentation Available in the Software

Users can now access all documentation in PDF format from within Thermo-Calc in the Help menu > Open Manuals Folder. The Online Help is also still accessible in the Help menu > Online Help. Online Help is is fully searchable and cross-referenced for easy use.

12 New and Updated Databases

TCFE9: Ce has been added to this 28 element database (Ar, Al, B, C, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, H, Mg, Mn, Mo, N, Nb, Ni, O, P, S, Si, Ta, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr). The database has been improved for modelling high Mn, high Al steels, including the ordered phase BCC_B2. Improvments have also been made to the FCC/HCP phases so that epsilon martensite calculation is possible. Many other improvements were also made. MOBFE4, a corresponding mobility database, has also been updated.

TCHEA2: Version 2 of the high entropy alloys database adds the elements C, N, Re, Ru and Si to this 20 element framework (Al, C, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, Mn, Mo, N, Nb, Ni, Re, Ru, Si, Ta, Ti, V, W, Zr). All the binary and over 300 ternary systems have been assessed in full range of composition and temperature.

TCCU2: The copper database has been extended to include Mo and O in this 29 element framework (Cu, Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Be, Bi, C, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, O, P, Pb, Pt, Se, Si, Sn, Ti, Zn, Zr). In this database 123 binary systems and 48 ternary systems have been evaluated and all necessary volume data included. MOBCU2, a corresponding mobility database, has also been updated.

TCOX7: The metal oxides database has been extended with a major update to include F, S, Nb, Cu, La and Gd. This 18 element database (Al, C, Ca, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Gd, La, Mg, Mn, Nb, Ni, O, S, Si, Y, Zr) is suited to ceramics, metallurgical processing, corrosion, Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC) and Yttria-Stabilised-Zirconia (YSZ).

MOBSLD1: This is a new atomic mobility database for Sn-/Au-/Bi-/Zn-based solder alloys and is compatible with the thermodynamic database for solders, TCSLD3, which has been updated for the release. In this 21 element database (Ag, Al, Au, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Ga, Ge, In, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Sb, Si, Sn, Zn), 43 binary systems and 20 ternary systems have been assessed.

Other updated databases: MOBFE4, TCNI8.1, TCSLD3.2, MOBCU2, NUCL15, MEPH15 and SLAG4.1.