| Scope |
In its most advanced form, ICME holistically integrates manufacturing simulation, advanced materials models and component performance analysis. There is a growing global awareness of this methodology, also known as Through-Process Modeling. Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in focused computational activities within materials research and engineering programs around the world; these efforts are rather diverse, encompass a wide range of length and temporal scales, and are increasingly integrated with experimental studies for model verification and enhancement. Integrated multiscale modeling is also an important element of ICME.
While some programs are based largely upon fundamental atomistic calculations which provide insights into local deformation mechanisms, others rely upon continuum approaches or data-mining to assess structure-property relationships in complex systems. Similarly, ab-initio calculations provide details regarding local bonding and structure, while approaches such as the phase field method allow for the assessment of processing-structure relationships at the mesoscale. The emergence and maturation of the various computational approaches has necessarily resulted in specialization by individual researchers. However, the promise of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) motivates a wider understanding of the advantages and limitations offered by the various computational (and coordinated experimental) tools. |