Expert Committee

Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Materials Constitution

Understanding phases and microstructures through thermodynamics, kinetics and CALPHAD.

Experimental methods, thermodynamic-kinetic modelling and simulation for phase diagrams, microstructures and material properties.

Members55

Founded2010

UnitDGM e.V.

Chair

PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Stephanie Lippmann
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
CV

Apply for committee membership Open committee platform

The physical, chemical and mechanical properties of materials are essentially determined by its microstructure which is formed during processing. For tailoring materials and processes, knowledge the thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformations is required. The difficulties to understand microstructure formation increases with the number of components and phases, and most of the technically applied metallic alloys and ceramics are multicomponent and multiphase materials. The “CALculation of PHAse Diagram” method (CALPHAD for short) is a versatile tool for tackling fundamental and applied problems in materials science related to microstructure formation. The committee considers itself as the representative of the CALPHAD community in Germany and focuses the scientific discussion on methods and theories for describing stable and metastable phase diagrams and microstructures.

Relevant dates for members of the expert committee in 2026/2027:

20.-24.9.2026: 20th TOFA in Slowenia
29.9.-1.10.2026: MSE-Symposium “Computational and experimental thermodynamics and kinetics of materials”, Darmstadt, Germany
14.-19.2.2027: 41st MSIT Annual Meeting, Ringberg Castle, Germany
13.-18.6.2027: 54th CALPHAD in Birmingham, UK

01 · Fundamentals

Phases, equilibria and kinetics

Constitution

Stable and metastable phase diagrams

Phase stability and microstructure are closely related.

The scope includes methods and theories for describing stable and metastable phase diagrams and the resulting microstructures.

Thermodynamics

Data on phases and materials

Measured data provide the basis for reliable models.

Thermal analysis, calorimetry and Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry are among the methods used to determine thermodynamic properties of individual phases and materials.

Kinetics

Diffusion and phase formation

Diffusion and tracer experiments provide access to time-dependent processes.

Diffusion-couple studies and tracer experiments provide data on materials kinetics and complement the thermodynamic description of phase formation.

02 · Modelling and simulation

From measurement to prediction

Experimental data are transferred into thermodynamic models and computer databases that enable calculations based on the CALPHAD approach. This makes it possible to describe phase stability and equilibrium microstructures in multicomponent materials.

Sharp-interface calculations and phase-field simulations extend these models to include the temporal evolution of microstructures. Linking experiment, modelling and simulation supports microstructure and property optimisation in line with Integrated Computational Materials Engineering.

03 · Exchange and dates

Technical exchange in a network

Cooperation

International technical groups

The committee works with established networks in the field.

The committee cooperates closely with the Alloy Phase Diagram International Commission (APDIC), the Scientific Group Thermodata Europe (SGTE) and the Materials Science International Team (MSIT).

Professional development

Symposia, summer schools and workshops

Regular formats combine scientific discussion and professional development.

The Expert Committee organises symposia at international conferences as well as summer schools and workshops for professional development.

Dates 2026

TOFA and MSE Symposium

Two dates for committee members in September and October 2026.

20–24 September 2026: 20th TOFA, Slovenia.
29 September–1 October 2026: MSE Symposium “Computational and experimental thermodynamics and kinetics of materials”, Darmstadt, Germany.

Materials constitution is investigated by combining experimental and analytical methods with thermodynamic-kinetic calculations. Thermal analysis, electron microscopy with local chemical analysis and X-ray methods contribute to the determination of phase diagrams. Calorimetry and Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry provide thermodynamic data, while diffusion-couple studies and tracer experiments provide insight into materials kinetics.

These data form the basis for thermodynamic models and computer databases used in CALPHAD calculations. Together with sharp-interface calculations and phase-field simulations, they support the optimisation of microstructures and properties in modern structural and functional materials. The Expert Committee discusses these topics in the context of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) and works closely with APDIC, SGTE and MSIT. It regularly organises symposia at international conferences, as well as summer schools and workshops.