Applied Computational Materials Modeling

While it is tempting to label computational materials modeling as an emerging field of research, the truth is that both in nature and foundation, it is just as much an established field as the concepts and techniques that define it. It is the recent enormous growth in computing power and communications that has brought the activity to the forefi-ont, turning it into a possible com­ ponent of any modem materials research program. Together with its increased role and visibility, there is also a dynamic change in the way computational modeling is perceived in such a vast field as materials science with its wide range of length and time scales. As the pace of materials research accelerates and the need for often inaccessible information continues to grow, the de­ mands and expectations on existing modeling techniques have progressed that much faster. Primarily because there is no one technique that can provide all the answers at every length and time scale in materials science, excessive expectations of computational materials modeling should be avoided if pos­ sible. While it is apparent that computational modeling is the most efficient method for dealing with complex systems, it should not be seen as an alter­ native to traditional experimentation. Instead there is another option, which is perhaps the one that is most likely to become the defining characteristic of computational materials modeling.

 Applied Computational Modeling identifies and emphasizes the successful link between computational materials modeling as a simulation and design tool and its synergistic application to experimental research and alloy development. Compared to other areas in science where computational modeling has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of a particular field, computational materials modeling has been rather limited in its ability to insert itself as a major tool in materials design. The impression that computational modeling is simply an intellectual pursuit with limited real life application has delayed its widespread use by the mainstream materials community, but as in any emerging field, the time has come where it is now difficult to imagine any vigorous materials development program without a strong foundation in modeling.

Hence, this book provides the average person working in the materials field with a more balanced perspective of the role that computational modeling can play in every day research and development efforts. This is done by presenting a series of examples of the successful application of various computational modeling procedures (everything from first principles to quantum approximate to CALPHAD methods) to real life surface and bulk alloy problems.

This book should have a large appeal in the materials community, both for experimentalists who would greatly benefit from adding computational methods to their everyday research regimes, as well as for those scientists/engineers familiar with a particular computational method who would like to add complementary techniques to their arsenal of research and development tools.