Expertise

Micromechanics meets multiphysics.

DAMASK-based ICME workflows that start from the measured state of a material, apply a process-relevant loading path, and return outputs that can be compared directly to experiments — from microstructure-resolved stress and strain to texture evolution and damage.

DAMASK workflow from an EBSD microstructure through five percent tensile strain to simulated microstructure, local strain fields and local stress fields. — **EBSD/Virtual Microstructure → simulation** Measured microstructure carried into a DAMASK study and compared with the deformed state. **Strain fields** Where deformation localizes, linked to grain structure, texture and morphology. **Stress fields** How load partitions within the microstructure and where critical regions emerge.

Process studies

Texture evolution followed across the full forming route.

The same ICME logic extends from tensile validation cases to rolling and forming studies — comparing routes, quantifying texture evolution and evaluating where process changes are likely to matter most.

Rolling studies connect initial grain structure, thickness reduction and texture development within one workflow rather than treating these observations as disconnected snapshots, making the outputs useful for interpreting measured maps and for deciding which process window deserves experimental follow-up.

Left: IPF color maps of a 38-grain polycrystal at 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% thickness reduction, viewed parallel to the loading direction (a) and parallel to the stretching direction (b). Right: 230 micrometer-squared comparison after 75% thickness reduction between an EBSD image of IF-steel (a) and a simulated polycrystal (b). — **Left:** IPF color maps of a 38-grain polycrystal at 0–80% thickness reduction — (a) viewed parallel to the loading direction, (b) parallel to the stretching direction. **Right:** a 230 µm² section after 75% thickness reduction — (a) EBSD image of IF-steel, (b) simulated polycrystal.

Beyond single loading cases

The same chain extends to more complex microstructures, coupled degradation problems and damage-sensitive studies — without losing the link to measurable behavior.

Advanced microstructure effects

Complex packet structures and internal morphology can be studied directly when the question is whether microstructure complexity itself is driving the response — for example bainitic steels with inhomogeneous local deformation.

Bainitic steel simulation comparing local packet structure and inhomogeneous deformation behavior. — Source: Gallardo-Basile et al., Modeling Bainite Dual-Phase Steels: A High-Resolution Crystal Plasticity Simulation Study, Crystals 13(4) (2023).

Coupled degradation and fracture

Hydrogen-assisted fracture and related degradation problems can be investigated as coupled studies, so mechanics and chemistry inform the same interpretation rather than living in separate analyses.

Chemo-mechanical fracture and degradation study combining mechanical response with evolving chemical fields.

Damage-sensitive virtual test cases

Damage workflows can be built progressively — from benchmark validation cases to realistic microstructures and loading paths that approach component-relevant conditions.

Damage simulation cases from benchmark validation toward more complex microstructures.

Related industrial challenges

Start a conversation

Bring us a materials challenge.

Confidential, NDA-friendly scoping calls. We listen first, then suggest the smallest engagement that can answer your question with technical confidence.

Direct contact

Professor Dierk Raabe Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials, Düsseldorf, Germany d.raabe@mpi-susmat.de Professor Hauke Springer University Duisburg-Essen, Germany hauke.springer@uni-due.de Email the research center