The ADVANCE Project

Sophisticated experiments and optimization to advance an existing CALPHAD database for next generation TiAl alloys.

The ADVANCE project has successfully developed the next generation of advanced CALPHAD databases (comprising one thermodynamic database and a compatible kinetic database for atomic mobility) for TiAl alloys. The utilisation of these databases in conjunction with the requisite simulation software facilitates a reduction in costs and development time for TiAl alloy design, which ultimately contributes to the Clean Sky 2 environmental mandate of 'Smart, Green, Integrated Transport'.

The ADVANCE project comprised an extensive and ambitious experimental programme designed to generate detailed and accurate phase equilibrium data for a series of homogeneous Ti-Al-X alloys of high purity. The objective was twofold: firstly, to resolve existing experimental controversies and secondly, to determine missing data points of relevance. Ultimately, the project aimed to support modelling activities, including the assessment and re-optimisation of individual subsystems and the development of cutting-edge CALPHAD databases for TiAl alloys. This data has been made available in the current version of the Thermo-Calc software database (TCTI5).
The consortium comprised four partners from three countries. Thermo-Calc Software AB (TCSAB), Sweden (Coordinator); Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH (MPIE), Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon GmbH (Hereon), Germany; and Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Austria. Furthermore, MTU Aero Engines AG, Germany, serves as the topic manager.
The ADVANCE project was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and forms part of the Clean Sky 2 joint undertaking. The objective of Clean Sky 2 is to reduce aircraft noise and CO2 and NOx emissions, which represents a crucial aspect of numerous initiatives aimed at fostering the development of new technologies to make tomorrow's aircraft more environmentally friendly and more efficient.
During the course of the project, the partners have collectively authored seven peer-reviewed publications, all of which have been published in open access format. Moreover, the partners have delivered 18 presentations on the project and its outcomes at international conferences, and two doctoral dissertations have been completed.