CD Laboratory for Materials Modelling and Simulation

Applied metal physics, the development and processing of metals and the modelling and simulation of these processes are the focus of the research work. In particular, the cross-process simulation and optimisation of complex metallic materials in the context of hot forming are dealt with.

A large proportion of metals have to be formed as part of their processing. This type of shaping often takes place at very high temperatures, which is why it is referred to as hot forming. Nickel-based alloys, for example, are processed at temperatures of around 1,000 to 1,200 degrees Celsius. The question of how the microstructure of metallic materials such as steels or alloys made of nickel, aluminium or titanium changes during such forming processes is a central aspect of research activity.

Within the scope of the investigations, particular interest is focussed on the so-called microstructural microstructure, i.e. the structures that are created after the processing of metals, such as forging or rolling. Research is being conducted into how these microstructures develop and change during and between different forming and heat treatment steps. This is described numerically and experimentally, including aspects of the formability of the material: Different metals exhibit different yield and fracture limits. New insights are being gained specifically for so-called complex metallic high-performance alloys, which generally consist of many components and phases. Until now, it has not been possible to precisely predict these in materials research.

In the CD Laboratory, computer models of materials are developed that describe the hardening and softening of materials during processing. Particular attention is paid to the development of the microstructure as well as the effective strains and stresses over several hot forming steps, intermediate annealing or final heat treatments and the resulting mechanical properties of a metallic alloy. Furthermore, the temperatures and stresses in the forming tools are also simulated, from which inelastic strains and thus damage can be calculated. Thanks to complex computer simulation techniques, it is also possible to simulate the loads on the forming tools used and subsequently predict their service life.

Overall, the research work serves the goal of optimising the microstructure of materials and thus their mechanical properties across all processes.