Microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processes significantly influences the properties of materials, and density-based phase-field (DPF) models are at the forefront of research in this area. These models, which leverage CALPHAD databases and atomistic simulations, offer detailed insights into grain boundary thermodynamics and kinetics, surpassing classical phase-field models in physical realism. As powerful as they are, DPF models require further refinement to accurately capture complex phenomena such as the formation of stoichiometric compounds, multicomponent alloy solidification, and dendritic growth in various alloys. This ongoing development highlights a gap between theoretical modeling and practical application, necessitating a focus on model sophistication to handle complex conditions.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding and enhance the application of phase-field methods for modeling microstructural evolution and solidification processes. The primary objectives include tackling prominent challenges such as improving computational efficiency, enhancing model accuracy, and extending the models' applicability to a broader range of materials and environments. The goal is to refine, validate, and calibrate these models in conjunction with experimental results and theoretical analyses, thereby narrowing the disparity between simulated outcomes and actual experimental conditions.

To gather further insights in microstructural simulation and material development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Advanced DPF models for grain boundary simulation
- Innovative phase-field approaches in solid-state sintering
- Modeling stoichiometric compounds via phase-field methods
- Multi-scale modeling techniques
- Phase-field applications under unconventional conditions
- Exploring new materials through phase-field modeling
- Achieving interfacial consistency in phase-field models for precise microstructural predictions
- Microstructural simulation applications in additive manufacturing
- Experimental studies on solidification and microstructures

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Frontiers in Materials

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