MICRESS 7.3: Microstructure Evolution Simulation Software

MICRESS 7.3 is the  industry-leading multiphase-field software for simulating microstructure formation in materials, particularly metallurgical systems . Released in November 2024 , this version focuses on workflow automation, expanded scripting capabilities, and performance enhancements for phase-field simulation .

Key New Features in Version 7.3

MicPy Python Package

A significant new addition is MicPy, an open-source Python package available via PyPI that streamlines MICRESS workflows :

  • Data Access: Efficiently reads tabular files (.TabF) and binary field data (.conc*)

  • Pandas Integration: Converts tabular data to DataFrames for analysis

  • NumPy Support: Imports field data directly into arrays for advanced computation

  • Matplotlib Integration: Built-in visualization of both tabular and field data

  • Open Source: Freely available with comprehensive documentation at docs.micress.de/micpy

Python & Jupyter Integration

  • Jupyter Notebook Support: Python kernels added to configuration; notebooks start in standard browser

  • Run Simulations Remotely: Submit jobs to compute clusters via MICpad’s new submit mechanism

  • Thermo-Calc Macros: Thermo-Calc can be integrated into the application configuration, and macro files can be started from MICpad to generate GESS files

Workflow & Usability Enhancements

  • Primary Solidification Wizard: Database-coupled wizard guides users through database selection, alloy definition, phase selection, and driving file generation

  • Example Management: Deep copy creates required files (e.g., GES_Files subdirectory) without absolute paths

  • Plotting Enhancements: Plot columns from multiple files in one diagram; unselect columns across open tabular files; log scale option via right-click

  • Display All Button: Opens checked result fields of all tabs in DP_MICRESS for comparing different simulations

DP_MICRESS Post-Processor Performance

  • File Loading Speed: Default cache size increased from 512 MB to 2 GB; compressed loading improved

  • Export as VTK: When overwriting is denied, export continues with new files to add to existing file series

  • Scripting: ‘window add’ command now blocking for sequential command execution