Creep simulation of 9-12% Cr steels using the composite model with thermodynamically calculated input

Creep of 9-12% Cr steels is modeled using the composite model, developed by Blum et al. [R. Sedlacek, W. Blum, Comput. Mater. Sci. 25 (2002) 200], and thermodynamic calculations based on the Calphad approach. The composite model yields a physical description of the deformation behavior of materials that have a pronounced heterogeneous dislocation structure and is briefly surveyed. A few of the input parameters have been thermodynamically calculated using Thermo-Calc and introduced to the main program via a programming interface. This combined approach allows us to simulate the creep deformation behavior with less extensive microstructural investigations. This is a step towards enabling predictions of the creep behavior predominantly based on the nominal composition, heat treatment and mechanical load. Simulation results for two different 9-12% Cr steels are presented. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.