Consulting Service
Phase Field Simulation
Predicting the microstructure a heat treatment or solidification process will actually produce — recrystallization, spheroidization, grain growth — calibrated against real micrographs, from a DFG-funded research background in this exact method.
Who this is for
Metallurgists optimizing a heat treatment schedule who need to predict the resulting microstructure before running another furnace cycle. Research teams studying recrystallization or spheroidization kinetics who need a model that captures evolving, complex morphologies. Process engineers connecting a thermal history to the mechanical properties it will produce.
What the consulting covers
Why me
I applied phase field methods within the DFG-funded IMPACT project studying recrystallization and spheroidization in Cr and Mo alloyed carbon steels. What makes the consulting valuable beyond the phase field model itself is the chain it sits in: I also build the crystal plasticity models that consume the predicted microstructure and the macro-scale simulations that use the resulting properties — so the phase field work is never delivered in isolation from what it is actually for.
Anyone who has the opportunity to have Dr. Qayyum as a professor, mentor, leader, colleague, or even just a friend is exceptionally fortunate. He embodies each of these roles with integrity, passion, and excellence. — Teqwa Khelifa, MSc Student, Institute of Metal Forming, TU Bergakademie Freiberg
How it works
- 15-minute call. Describe the transformation, the alloy system, and what you need to predict or optimize.
- Scoped engagement. Model setup and calibration typically 4–10 weeks depending on the transformation's complexity and available characterisation data.
- Delivery. A calibrated model plus documentation, and where relevant, the microstructure output packaged for a downstream crystal plasticity model.
Common questions
What do I need to provide to start?
The alloy composition, the thermal history or process of interest, and ideally micrographs at one or more stages for calibration. Gaps in characterisation are normal and can often be identified as part of the first call.
Can this connect to a mechanical property prediction?
Yes — the predicted microstructure becomes the input to a crystal plasticity model, which is exactly how I use this chain in my own research. See crystal plasticity simulation consulting for that half of the chain.
Does this apply to additive manufacturing?
Yes — solidification microstructure in a melt pool follows the same physics, coupled to a thermal model of the AM process. See using simulation to improve AM of aluminum alloys for that application.
What software do you use?
Custom and open-source phase field implementations depending on the transformation, coupled where needed to thermal FEM in ABAQUS. The right tool follows the physics, not a fixed toolchain.
How long does calibration take?
Typically the longest step, 4–10 weeks depending on how much characterisation data already exists. Starting with what you have and identifying the highest-value additional measurement is usually the first output of the engagement.
Start With 15 Minutes
Book a call and describe the transformation you need to predict. I will tell you honestly whether phase field is the right tool, and what it would take to calibrate it for your system.
Book a 15-Minute Call Send a MessageRelated: Crystal plasticity simulation consulting · Using numerical simulations to improve additive manufacturing of aluminum alloys