Virtual alloys (software)
अन्वेषक  Prof. N. N. Acharya
Patent  
 The properties of any alloy - steel in this particular software - are dependent on its alloying elements and heat treatment. The relationship between these elements and the properties is quite complicated to be established mathematically. However, in this software, very accurate relationships have been developed using Artificial Neural Networks for four different types of steels, viz., Tool Steels, HSLA Steels, Low Carbon Steels, and Quenched & Tempered Steels. It is able to predict the properties of a steel of any composition that the user enters into the computer.

More importantly, the reverse prediction is also possible, i.e., the computer can suggest a composition for a given set of properties. Since this is really a case of multiple solutions, the computer is also able to suggest several compositions that can give the same set of properties. However, from practical considerations, such as the economics of producing such a predicted alloy, the user is allowed to make a suitable choice.

While the base metal is Iron in all the four types of steels mentioned above, Tool Steels deal with nine alloying elements and seven important mechanical properties. HSLA, Low Carbon and Quenched & Tempered Steels deal with nine alloying elements and three different mechanical properties.

It has been found on validation that the convergence of prediction, both in the forward direction as well as in the reverse direction, is accurate within 0.5%error. For all metallurgical purposes, this accuracy is more than what is usually dealt with.

Its uses are enormous. This software can save millions of dollars and years of time on shop-floor experimentations, which has been, until date; the only way steels (and other alloys) have been designed.

विवरण के लिए कृपया संपर्क करें-
प्रभारी प्राध्यापक, IPR & IR
प्रायोजित शोध एवं औद्योगिक सलाहकारिता
भारतीय प्रौद्योगिकी संस्था खड़गपुर 721302 भारत
ई-मेल: ipr @ sric.iitkgp.ernet.in
संकायाध्यक्ष
प्रायोजित शोध एवं औद्योगिक सलाहकारिता
भारतीय प्रौद्योगिकी संस्था खड़गपुर 721302 भारत
ई-मेल: deansr @ hijli.iitkgp.ernet.in