Thermo-Calc 2021b Available Now

Batch Calculation Type for High Throughput Calculations

A Batch calculation type has been added to the Property Model Calculator that allows for high throughput calculations. This new calculation type allows users to upload a CSV file or spreadsheet into the Property Model Calculator, allowing the calculator to read in significant amounts of input data. Results from batch calculations can then be compared to experimental values, if they are included in your file.

The Batch calculation type uses information from uploaded data to configure your calculation and offers validations to help ensure that files are formatted correctly. Additionally, users can set timeouts for each row in order to prevent the program from hanging on incorrectly formatted rows.  

Two new plot types were added to Thermo-Calc to allow users to compare calculated results to experimental values, if they are included in your file: Cross Plot Mode, which plots the results and experimental values, and Statistical Mode, which plots frequency and normal probability. 

One new example, PM_G_12 – Solidus and Liquidus Batch Calculation, is available  demonstrating the new Batch Calculation type.

A companion video walks you step-by-step through setting up the example and discusses the new Batch calculator. 

Scheil with Solute Trapping for High Solidification Speeds

A new model has been added to the Scheil solidification calculator to improve calculations that have a high solidification speed, the Solute Trapping model. This new model is particularly useful for applications to additive manufacturing.

The model is based on the main assumption that the primary phase is the only dendrite forming phase within which solute trapping is induced by high solidification speed. The resulting solute trapping also affects composition and amount of other solid phases.

The new model is available in Graphical Mode, Console Mode, TC-Python, and TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^®.

A new example is included for each of these modes demonstrating this new model: 

• Graphical Mode: T_13_Scheil_with_Solute_Trapping.tcu (Thermo-Calc folder)
• Console Mode: tcex57.TCM
• TC-Python: pyex_T_16_Scheil_Solute_Trapping_Al_Si_Cu.py
• TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^®: matex_T_16_Scheil_solute_trapping_Al_Si_Cu.m

A presentation is available describing the model and the assumptions that are made.

Learn about all four of our Scheil solidification models

Export Data Directly from Plot Renderer

Beginning with Thermo-Calc 2021b, users can now convert plots to table data in the Graphical Mode with the push of a button. A new Table View button allows users to toggle between displaying results as a plot or a table. Users can then export the table to a file, for example a spreadsheet. This new feature provides an easier way to access results in the form of a table and ensures that all calculation types have a way to export data. 

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^® Entirely Rewritten

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^® has been completely rebuilt for the 2021b release, offering significant upgrades, including nearly all calculation types available in Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode, such as single point equilibrium, property and phase diagrams, Scheil solidification simulations, and Property Models. 

The newly built API also integrates with the Diffusion Module (DICTRA), Precipitation Module (TC-PRISMA), and the Steel Model Library, allowing users who have licenses for those programs to perform even more calculation types.

The newly rebuilt TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^® is also considerably more user friendly than the legacy version. For instance, it offers default values, prompts users to add missing information, and includes intelligent code completion and improved error messages. The program now also includes an integrated help system for improved support. 

The new TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^® includes over 30 examples to help users get started in any of the modules you have a  license for. 

Users who have the legacy version of TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^® are encouraged to convert their scripts as soon as possible, as we will discontinue support of the legacy version after the 2022b release.

Learn about the new TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^®

CCT Diagrams Added to the Steel Model Library

A CCT diagram model, or continuous cooling transformation diagram, has been added to the Steel Model Library in the 2021b release. This model combines the Pearlite, Bainite, and Martensite Property Models and calculates the kinetics of concurrent transformation of austenite into pearlite, bainite, and martensite under continuous cooling conditions. 

Users can now easily set up CCT diagrams in the Steel Model Library using a template that is accessed from the homescreen of the software. The new CCT Diagram Property Model makes it easy to configure the model and offers useful default values, and the CCT plotting mode is used to define the axes for the plot and automatically arrange the calculation results, which are time-temperature pairs.  

One new example is included in this release demonstrating this new model – PM_Fe_08_Fe-C_CCT. 

The TTT diagram calculation has also been improved for this release to calculate the concurrent transformation of austenite into pearlite, bainite, and martensite under isothermal conditions. In previous releases, pearlite, bainite, and martensite were calculated separately. The concurrent transformation is now handled in a new Property Model named TTT Diagram. 

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) GUI Updates

The Graphical Mode version of the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) receives two updates in the 2021b release. Caching has been added, meaning that calculations you have previously run in the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) during your current session will be read from disk rather than re-calculated, saving time if you re-run the calculation. Additionally, Mixed Zero Flux and Activity Boundary Conditions are now able to be used as a function in diffusion simulations. 

Diffusion Improvements in TC-Python to Simulate Carburization Process

The 2021b release includes several improvements to diffusion simulations in TC-Python that allow users to calculate and optimize the carburization process. The program offers two ways to do this. First, users can simulate the entire carburization process in one step with the use of time-dependent boundary conditions. Alternatively, users can optimize the process using a new feature that allows for iterative simulations. In other words, users can run a section of the simulation, evaluate the results, then change the conditions and continue with the simulation. 

To learn more, read the Release Notes under TC-Python > Diffusion Module

Plot Improvements

Thermo-Calc 2021b includes several plot improvements, most notably, upgrades to 3D plotting: