Zhi Liang ()

Zhi Liang is a Materials Scientist at National Institute of Standards and Technology. He specializes in advanced research in materials thermodynamics, phase transformation modeling, Calculation of Phase Diagram (CALPHAD) database modeling, and Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME). His current research interests align critically with enhancing U.S. manufacturing capability via incorporation of advanced computation/modeling methodology, including:

• CALPHAD Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Thermophysical Property Databases

  Zhi focuses on the development and refinement of CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) databases that describe the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of multicomponent materials systems, which serves as the essential component in predicting material behaviors in manufacturing scenarios. His work involves the critical assessment of experimental and computational data to build robust models for phase equilibria, diffusion mobility, and thermophysical properties such as specific heat and density. These databases form the foundation for accurate, physics-based simulations of material behavior under various thermal and mechanical conditions.

• CALPHAD/ICME-Based Phase Transformation Modeling

  Integrating CALPHAD methodology within the broader framework of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), Zhi focuses on the development of multiscale models to predict phase transformations in complex alloys. His research captures the interplay between thermodynamics, diffusion kinetics, and microstructure evolution during solidification, heat treatment, and complex scenario in additive manufacturing. These models can be deployed to optimize alloy compositions and processing pathways to achieve desired microstructure, and further mechanical and functional properties.

• CALPHAD-Based Material Processing Modeling

  Zhi applies and integrates CALPHAD-informed modeling to simulate and optimize materials processing techniques such as casting, welding, and additive manufacturing. By coupling phase equilibria and kinetic data with finite element and process simulation tools, the physics-based evaluation of solidification paths, phase stability, and segregation behavior becomes more credible and efficient across vast composition space. These insights enable improved control of microstructure development and process-structure-property relationships, ultimately guiding the design of more efficient and reliable manufacturing processes.

The complete list of publication can be found at ‪Zhi Liang‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬.

• 2021 NIST MML Accolades for Technical Excellence, MML Postdoctoral Fellow, doi:10.18434/mds2-2462
• 2022 Editor’s Choice Article for publication “Kinetically induced fine secondary α-Ti phase formation in a novel as-cast titanium alloy” on Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, doi:10.1007/s11661-022-06775-2