Phase Equilibria and Transformations
Phase equilibria and phase transformations play a key role in determining the microstructure and properties of metallic materials. Understanding how to control and exploit phase transformations is critical to the performance of a wide range of industrially important alloys.
A wide range of alloys systems are studied in the group, with a focus on aluminium, magnesium, zirconium, titanium, and nickel-base alloys. We are very active in developing experimental techniques and computer models to study and simulate phase equilibria and transformations. This work aims to understand and predict how the alloys and their properties evolve during their processing and elevated temperature operational service.
Thermodynamic modelling packages (MTDATA and JMatPro) are used, in conjunction with specialist databases, for aluminium, magnesium and zirconium alloys to predict phase equilibria, microstructures and reaction kinetics. Significant use is made of our advanced analytical facilities, in particular high-resolution electron microscopy TEM and SEM), calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. We also conduct neutron and synchrotron X-ray experiments at national and international facilities such as ISIS and the ESRF.
Research interests
- Observation and modelling of precipitate evolution in aluminium, nickel, magnesium, and zirconium alloys
- Phase identification and characterization in novel alloys
- Interaction between stress and phase transformations
- Phase transformations and precipitate evolution during welding
- Dispersoid precipitation and interaction with recrystallization
- Modelling phase equilibria in complex alloys
- Characterization and modelling of the link between precipitate evolution and mechanical/corrosion performance
- Development of electron microscopy, EDX, small angle scattering and diffraction techniques for phase transformation studies