Phase-field modelling: effect of an interface crack on precipitation kinetics in a multi-phase microstructure

Abstract Premature failures in metals can arise from the local reduction of fracture toughness when brittle phases precipitate. Precipitation be enhanced at grain and phase boundaries promoted by stress concentration causing a shift terminal solid solubility. This paper provides description model to predict stress-induced precipitation along interfaces one-phase two-phase metals. A phase-field approach is employed describe microstructural evolution. The combination between system expansion caused transformation, field energy boundary included as driving force for precipitate growth. In this study, induced an opening interface crack modelled through use linear elastic mechanics single parameter Landau potential. results simulations hydrogenated ( $$\alpha +\beta $$ α + β ) titanium alloy display formation precipitate, which overall decelerates time. Outside boundary, mainly grows following isostress contours. hydride faster elongated. Between its surrounding, matrix/hydride smoothened. present allows capturing crack-induced with numerical efficiency solving one equation only. applied other multi-phase precipitates their physical properties also contribute multi-scale propagation schemes.