Goals

• Develop strong teaching and reserach programs in computational metallurgy and analysis of thermal metal processing
• Establish Portland Sate University as a premier inststiteu for advanced education in metallurgy in the Pacific Northwest
• Recruit and support brilliant suitdents

Computational Metallurgy

Computational Metallurgy exploits the ever-growing power of computers and numerical methods in an area of interdisciplinary research that is currently known as computational materials science. Although computer-aided design and development have proved extremely useful in many areas of science and engineering, the use of computational methods in the design of materials has not progressed as rapidly. The reasons for this slow progress are related to the fact that materials properties cannot be attributed to a single phenomenon, but phenomena occuring at many different scales of length and energy.

Computational Metallurgy involves utilizing computational models, that are based on the fundamental principles of metallurgy, to predict the physical and chemical changes in the metals and alloys, and to relate the changes to the properties of materials. Computational modeling yields unique insights into experimental data, and can guide experimentalists towards new alloys with unique and important properties. It also offers powerful tools to design and optimize processing. Significant cost savings can be realized in materials and product designs and in process optimization by using science-based computational modeling.

Metal Thermal Process Simulation

Microstructure lies at the core of physical metallurgy. It is the strategic link between processing and properties. Residual stress/strain and distortion are also known to affect the performance of manufactured components or structures. Dr. Li's area of expertise and research interest are at the development of integrated multi-displinary models for the prediction of heat transfer, microstructure evolution, residual stresses and distortion in the processing of metallic alloys. The metallurgical models are of the microscopic scale at its inteception with continnum mechanics. Materials involved in the current research activities include high strength steels, high performance steels, nickel base alloys, and titanium alloys. Processes under investigation include casting, forming, heat treating, and welding.

Postal Mailing Address: Mechanical Engineering Department Portland State University PO Box 751-ME Portland, OR 97207-0751

Ground Shipment Address: Portland State University Science Building 2, Room 118 1719 SW 10th Avenue Portland, OR 97201

Last modified by M. Victor Li on December 10, 2004