MICRESS 7.1 is a powerful, multi-component, multi-phase phase-field simulation software designed for the quantitative prediction of microstructure formation and evolution in materials. Developed by Access e.V., it is the leading tool for researchers and advanced engineers who need to understand and control microstructural processes such as solidification, solid-state phase transformations, grain growth, and coarsening in metals, alloys, and ceramics. By solving complex diffusion equations and tracking moving phase boundaries, MICRESS provides a direct visual and quantitative link between processing conditions, thermodynamics, and the resulting material microstructure, which ultimately dictates mechanical and physical properties.

 Core Functional Capabilities of MICRESS 7.1

• Multi-Phase, Multi-Component Phase-Field Method
  Model complex real alloys with multiple phases and chemical elements. Unlike simpler models, MICRESS can handle coupled solute diffusion in all co-existing phases, enabling accurate simulation of phenomena like peritectic/eutectic solidification, competitive growth, and phase selection in technical alloys.

• Quantitative Coupling with Thermodynamic Databases
  Ensure physical accuracy by direct coupling with CALPHAD databases. MICRESS interfaces seamlessly with thermodynamic (e.g., Thermo-Calc) and mobility databases. This allows for temperature- and composition-dependent driving forces and equilibrium conditions at the phase interfaces, which is critical for predictive simulation.

• Diverse Transformation Scenarios
  Simulate a wide range of materials processes:

  • Directional & Equiaxed Solidification: Model dendritic/equiaxed growth, columnar-to-equiaxed transition (CET), and microsegregation.

  • Solid-State Transformations: Simulate diffusional phase transformations (e.g., austenite → ferrite/pearlite/bainite) and precipitate growth/dissolution.

  • Grain Growth & Coarsening: Simulate curvature-driven grain boundary motion and Ostwald ripening.

• Advanced Numerical Features & Scalability
  Utilize robust solvers for large-scale simulations. The software includes features like adaptive meshing, parallel computing support, and efficient numerical methods to handle the computationally intensive task of resolving fine microstructural features over relevant length and time scales.

The MICRESS Advantage in Microstructure Science

While other tools predict phase fractions or average properties, MICRESS 7.1 uniquely predicts the morphology and spatial distribution of phases—the actual microstructure visible under a microscope. This mesoscale predictive capability bridges the gap between atomic-scale models and macro-scale property models. For academic and industrial R&D focused on designing new materials, optimizing casting processes, or developing advanced heat treatments, MICRESS provides an unparalleled virtual microscope to explore the "how" and "why" behind microstructure development, enabling materials-by-design with reduced experimental iteration.