Chapter 8 focuses on the design of important Al- and Mg-based light alloys. Selected examples show how CALPHAD simulation tools can be used to understand and predict the effect of alloying elements and processing conditions on alloy properties and how to use that in the design of alloys. For Al alloys, two case study examples using the extended CALPHAD-type databases are demonstrated. For cast alloy A356 (Al–Si,Mg), the solidification simulation involving dedicated microsegregation modeling is presented. For the wrought alloy 7xxx (Al–Zn,Mg/Cu), elaborate heat treatment simulation with precipitation kinetics is the design tool. For Mg alloy structural components, simulations of solidification path and T6 heat treatment of AZ series (Mg–AlZn) and the development of Mg–Al–Sn-based (AT) cast alloys involving also microsegregation simulation are demonstrated. Finally, the design of biomedical Mg alloy implants utilizing the CALPHAD method and the state-of-the-art bioresorbable Mg alloy stent to cure coronary artery disease is presented.

Chapter 7 briefly introduces steels, including classification, production processes, microstructure, and properties as well as computational tools for design of steels. Two case studies for S53 and AISI H13 steels are demonstrated. For S53 steel, high strength and good corrosion resistance are needed. For that purpose, plots of thermodynamic driving forces for precipitates were established, guaranteeing the accurate precipitation of M2C strengthener in steels. In addition, a martensite model is developed, designing maximal strengthening effect and appropriate martensite start temperature to maintain an alloy with lath martensite as the matrix. The corrosion resistance was designed by analyzing thermodynamic effects to maximize Cr partitioning in spinel oxide and enhance the grain boundary cohesion. In the case of AISI H13 steel, precipitations of carbides were simulated. Then simulated microstructure was coupled with structure–property models to predict the stress–strain curve and creep properties. Subsequently, those simulated properties were coupled with FEM to predict the relaxation of internal stresses and deformation behavior at the macroscopic scale during tempering of AISI H13