Phase-field modeling of microstructure evolution: Recent applications, perspectives and challenges

We briefly review the state-of-the-art in phase-field modeling of microstructure evolution. The focus is placed on recent applications of phase-field simulations of solid-state microstructure evolution and solidification that have been compared and/or validated with experiments. They show the potential of phase-field modeling to make quantitative predictions of the link between processing and microstructure. Finally, some current challenges in extending the application of phase-field models within the context of integrated computational materials engineering are mentioned.

Automated summary

The article reviews the state-of-the-art in phase-field modeling of microstructure evolution, focusing on recent applications in solid-state microstructure evolution and solidification compared and/or validated with experiments. The comparisons and validations demonstrate the potential of phase-field modeling for quantitative predictions of the relationship between processing and microstructure, and current challenges in extending its application within integrated computational materials engineering are highlighted.