Thermo-Calc 2021b Release Preview

High Throughput Calculation Type Added to the Property Model Calculator 

A new calculation type that allows for high throughput calculations will be added to the Property Model Calculator, Batch Calculations. This new calculation type will allow the Property Model Calculator to read input from a file, such as a spreadsheet, rather than having a fixed grid or random values, allowing the calculator to read in significantly more data per calculation. Results from batch calculations can then be compared to experimental values, if they are included in your file.

Export Data Directly from Plot Renderer

Beginning with Thermo-Calc 2021b, users will be able to convert plots to table data in the Graphical Mode with the push of a button. A new Table View button will allow users to toggle between displaying results as a plot or a table. Users will also be able to 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 Re-Written

TC-Toolbox for MATLAB^® is being completely rebuilt for the 2021b release and will offer the same functionality as TC-Python, which includes all calculation types available in Thermo-Calc Graphical Mode, such as single point equilibrium, property and phase diagrams, Scheil solidification simulations, Property Models, and diffusion and precipitation simulations. This rebuild includes significant upgrades compared to the current version of TC-Toolbox and will allow for easier implementation of upgrades in the future, so TC-Toolbox users can expect more frequent upgrades. This change will also improve and simplify the installation process for TC-Toolbox. 

Diffusion Module (DICTRA) GUI Updates

The Graphical Mode version of the Diffusion Module (DICTRA) will receive two updates in the 2021b release. Caching is being 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 will be able to be used as a function in diffusion simulations beginning with Thermo-Calc 2021b. 

Diffusion Improvements in TC-Python to Simulate Carburization Process

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

Stay tuned for details about all the updates, new features, databases, and improvements coming this June in the Thermo-Calc 2021b release.