Monte Carlo simulation of spinodal decomposition in a ternary alloy within a three-phases field: comparison to phase transformation of ferrite in duplex stainless steels

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) are largely used for industrial purposes due to their good corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and also due to their ability to be cast. They are notably used as cast elbows in primary circuits of pressurized water reactors. However these steels are subject to ageing at service temperature (285 C degrees - 323 C degrees). This work proposes to model phase transformations occurring in duplex stainless steels using atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo in a ternary model alloy. Kinetics are simulated in the three-phase field of a ternary system. Influence of the precipitation of the third phase on the kinetic of spinodal decomposition between the two other phases is studied in order to understand the synergy between spinodal decomposition and G-phase precipitation which exists in duplex stainless steels. Simulation results are compared to experimental data obtained with atom probe tomography