Phase-field modelling in extractive metallurgy

The phase-field method has already proven its usefulness to simulate microstructural evolution for several applications, e.g. during solidification, solid-state phase transformations, fracture, etc. This wide variety of applications follows from its diffuse-interface approach. Moreover, it is straightforward to take different driving forces into account. The purpose of this paper is to give an introduction to the phase-field modelling technique with particular attention for models describing phenomena important in extractive metallurgy. The concept of diffuse interfaces, the phase-field variables, the thermodynamic driving force for microstructure evolution and the phase-field equations are discussed. Some of the possibilities to solve the equations describing microstructural evolution are also described, followed by possibilities to make the phase-field models quantitative and the phase-field modelling of the microstructural phenomena important in extractive metallurgy, i.e. multi-phase field models. Finally, this paper illustrates how the phase-field method can be applied to simulate several processes taking place in extractive metallurgy and how the models can contribute to the further development or improvement of these processes. ; sponsorship: FWO aspirant Inge Bellemans ; status: Published