Monte Carlo computer simulation of the atomistic behaviour of microalloying elements in AI-Li alloys

The atomistic behaviour of various microalloying elements during low-temperature precipitation in Al-Li alloys has been investigated using a Monte Carlo computer simulation. The utilized simulation parameters derived from known thermodynamic quantities can well reproduce the phase decomposition of Al-Li alloys involving simultaneous reactions of clustering and ordering processes. The spatial and temporal evolution of the simulated microstructures provides useful information on microscopic events such as the nucleation and growth of precipitates, the change in the degree of order and the preferential partitioning of microalloying elements. The role of microalloying elements is well classified in terms of the characteristic features of individual elements.