Development and applications of the TCAL aluminum alloy database

Abstract This paper presents a multicomponent thermodynamic database specifically developed for aluminum alloys, TCAL. The database development is briefly elucidated, including model selection and modeling of both stable phases and metastable precipitates, thermodynamic assessment of individual binary and ternary systems, extrapolation of quaternary systems and validation using experimental data from multicomponent alloys. Examples of assessments and calculations are demonstrated for typical systems. Scheil and equilibrium simulations are performed using the database for predicting or interpreting phase formation and formation sequence during solidification, as well as phase fractions and phase compositions. We also explore the possibility of using such simulations for evaluating castability, such as casting shrinkage and susceptibility to hot tearing. We furthermore demonstrate the application of CALPHAD calculations in semisolid forming. Calculations using TCAL, together with a compatible atomic mobility database, are employed to choose or optimize temperature and time for solution treatment and to simulate precipitation kinetics during age hardening.