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

The atomistic behaviour of various microalloying elements during low-temper ature precipitation in Al-Li alloys has been investigated using a Monte Car lo computer simulation. The utilized simulation parameters derived from kno wn thermodynamic quantities can well reproduce the phase decomposition of A l-Li alloys involving simultaneous reactions of clustering and ordering pro cesses. The spatial and temporal evolution of the simulated microstructures provides useful information on microscopic events such as the nucleation a nd growth of precipitates, the change in the degree of order and the prefer ential partitioning of microalloying elements. The role of microalloying el ements is well classified in terms of the characteristic features of indivi dual elements.