What's New in FactSage 8.0

www.FactSage.com

(revised May, 2020)

The FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation enables you to install FactSage 8.0 into a new folder or on to a new computer.

There are some fundamental changes in FactSage 8.0 that are not backward compatible with earlier versions (7.3 and prior). These changes include

  • new file naming convention *.prog (replaces PROG*.dat) for saved files (ex: *.equi replaces EQUI*.dat)
  • automatic updating of the user profiles file, Profiles80.ini
  • automatic updating/installation of databases and new dongles
  • support of network dongles
  • Consequently the new version is named FactSage 8.0 (and not 7.4) and is a major update to the FactSage package. The total number of files is now over 17,000 (was 14,000 in 7.3). Due to the changes we recommend that you do not upgrade any FactSage 7.0 - 7.3 currently installed on your computer but rather install FactSage 8.0 as a New FactSage installation.

    What follows is a list of the more important programming, database and documentation changes in FactSage 8.0 (2020) with respect to FactSage 7.3 (2019).

    1. General:

    2. Modules: 3. Databases: 4. Previous FactSage Updates


    1. General:

  • FactSage 8.0 News
      Important!
      After installation you should periodically check the latest news about FactSage 8.0 where we immediately report any 'bugs' and other issues as they surface.

      You can display this latest news - in the FactSage Main Menu click
      'Information > FactSage 8.0 ~ News ~ from www.FactSage.com ...'

      Alternatively visit www.FactSage.com > 'FactSage 8.0 ~ News ~'

      FactSage 8.0
      ~ News ~

      The 'bugs' and other issues highlighted in the previous 'FactSage 7.3 ~ News ~' have been resolved.


  • FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation/Menu
    • Download FactSage 8.0 - The FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation program contains the complete 8.0 package of software, databases and documentation. It can be downloaded from the Internet in two different ways.
      1. Download FactSage 8.0 via FactSage 7.3 - this is new

      This option is only available to customers with FactSage ID in the range 1 - 5000 who have installed FactSage 7.3.

      In order to activate this option you must first download a small file FS-Copy_2020-06-06.zip (approx. size 400 KB). Replace the file FS-Copy.exe in your FactSage 7.3 installation.

      Then in the FactSage 7.3 Main Menu Window click
      Tools > FactSage Updates >Download the complete FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation Package .

      If you are entitled to FactSage 8.0 the file CD-FactSage80.exe (approx. size 350 MB) will be downloaded to the downloads folder. Typically this takes 10 - 20 minutes or even longer.

      2. Download via www.factsage.com

      For details visit www.factsage.com and click 'Download Service' and then 'FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation'.

      For certain installations it may not be possible to download the file - for example you may get an error message such as 'webpage cannot be found'. This could be because the security settings on your computer are blocking the transfer of a ".exe" file or the file is too large to be downloaded. Check with your IT group.

    • FactSage Installation - The FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation program is a one-stage installation and update program. The program runs a self extractor that automatically performs the extraction operation before starting the installation. We recommend that you do not upgrade any FactSage 7.0 - 7.3 currently installed on your computer. Rather you should install FactSage 8.0 into a new folder or on to a new computer. See below (Update/Refresh FactSage 8.0) for more details.

    • Show Me - For details on FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation refer to the Show Me documentation. FactSage 8.0 may be installed as

      • Standalone Single User- the complete FactSage package will be installed on the computer. The program cannot be accessed by other computers. The Standalone computer requires a security key (dongle) attached to a USB port.
      • Network Server- the complete FactSage package will be installed on the computer in a public folder that is 'share read-only' to other computers on the network. The files can be read and copied by other computers (Network Clients). In a small network of several computers the FactSage Network Server can be any computer, but not a virtual machine.
      • Network Client - only the FactSage modules and databases will be installed on the computer. The computer will have access to the documentation, example, figure, etc. files already installed in FactSage on the Network Server.

    • Server/Client Installation - For a client installation on the network, the program FactSageClient enables the Client workstation to locate the Server installation. The program is run prior to the FactSage 8.0 setup program and is well-suited for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 installations. Details are given in ShowMe which is part of the installation package.

    • Server/Client Update - If the FactSage Client is already running FactSage on a network installation and the Server installation is then updated (for example a new version or new databases), the Client installation will not be updated until a new day. This default action can be overridden - to immediately update FactSage on the Client workstation, in the FactSage Main Menu of the client PC click on 'Tools > FactSage Network > Refresh Client installation ...'.

    • Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 - FactSage 8.0 has been successfully installed and tested under Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8 and 10 operating systems. All programs run as designed including the Solution module (see below). The dongle drivers distributed with FactSage 6.4 (or earlier) are outdated. The latest drivers (see below) are very well suited for installing under Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

    • Windows XP no longer supported by Microsoft - FactSage should still run under Windows XP even though Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft. According to Microsoft if you continue to use Windows XP now that support has ended, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.

    • Sentinel HASP Drivers - FactSage MemoHASP dongles are also referred to as Sentinel Security Keys and more recently Sentinel LDK keys. The dongles are supplied by SafeNet Inc. In FactSage 6.4 (and earlier) it was often difficult to install the drivers especially under Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. FactSage 8.0 employs installation software from SafeNet Inc. and it is fairly straight forward to install the drivers. For instructions click on 'Tools > Sentinel Security Key > Information ...'

    • FactSage dongle status - When a valid HASP dongle is attached to a USB port on the computer you are able to run a standalone version of FactSage. If FactSage issues an error message about a 'missing or invalid FactSage HASP security key' it goes into the FactSage SetUp mode with a green screen. There are several factors that can cause this to happen.

      This new feature was first introduced in FactSage 7.0 and remains unchanged. It displays the status of the FactSage dongle attached to the computer. This helps you to diagnose the source of the error message.

      • Run FactSage 8.0 and display the FactSage Main Menu.

      • Click on 'Tools > FactSage dongle status > Explanation of dongle status... ' and follow the instructions.

      The 'FactSage dongle status' Window shown here is for an installation where a valid FactSage dongle is attached and everything is in order (i.e. 1 - 5. All OK).



  • Update/Refresh FactSage 8.0

    Due to some radical changes in FactSage 8.0 we recommend that you do not upgrade any FactSage 7.0 - 7.3 currently installed on your computer but rather install FactSage 8.0 as a New FactSage installation.

    The FactSage 8.0 Installation program enables you to update/refresh FactSage 8.0 software, documentation and databases to the full FactSage 8.0 package.

    You can update/refresh a FactSage Standalone computer or a Network Server. In the case of a network installation it is only necessary to update/refresh the Network Server.

  • FactSage 8.0 Setup Files
      This is new. Each time FactSage is run a check is now performed to make sure the important installation files (principally *.exe and *.dll) have not been inadvertently deleted.

      For example, Microsoft Windows Defender may suddenly decide a particular file (for example FS-Copy.exe) is a virus threat and delete it without notifying you. The rules of virus detection are constantly evolving. Even if a particular file has not been updated a file considered safe yesterday may be classified as a threat today.

      When an important file is missing you will now be made aware of the problem.

      Note:
      The *.exe and *.dll files are regularly vetted for viruses via www.virustotal.com that has access to over 70 antivirus software. Whenever the antivirus software reports suspicious behavior in one of our files we try and contact the antivirus vendor and report the file as a false-positive.


  • FactSage Slide Shows
      - called from 'General > Slide Shows ...'.

    • Slide Show on the Theoretical Background of FactSage

      The Slide Show on the Theoretical Background of FactSage has been revised and enhanced. An interactive Table of Contents has been added to the Slide Show. In conjunction with this the various chapters and their respective pages have been numbered. On the last page of each chapter a return button has been inserted to take the reader back to the Table of Contents page. A chapter has been added dealing with the theoretical background of EMF cell calculations. Such calculations can be executed using the Reaction module. The chapter on Phase Diagrams has been expanded.

    • Slide Shows on FactSage Applications

      Several of the side shows on FactSage Ferrous Processing and FactSage Alloy Design have been updated and a new one on High Temperature Ceramics has been added.

    • Ferrous Processing Database Selection - 2020

      This gives details on how to select a FactSage database for ferrous applications. The slides include a history and important solution phases; steelmaking chemistry and availability of databases; important phase diagrams for steelmaking processes; the Modified Quasichemical Model; the Slag viscosity database.

      The 2015 slide show has been updated. Where necessary the text has been revised and new screenshots have been prepared to reflect the changes. 10 new sides have been introduced that include Important phases and phase diagrams: alkali-silicate system as well as the The Quasichemical Model for Short-Range Ordering.

    • Ferrous Processing: Applications I - 2020 and Ferrous Processing: Applications II - 2020

      These give simple (I) and advanced (II) calculation examples involving the Equilib and Phase Diagram modules in ferrous processing. The 2015 slide shows have been updated. Most of the calculations and plots in the 300+ slides have been repeated using FactSage 8.0. Where necessary the text has been revised and new screenshots have been prepared to reflect the changes.

    • Alloy Design: Basic and Advanced - 2020

      This presents the basics and the advanced approach for alloy design using FactSage. The 2015 slide show has been updated. All calculations and plots in the slide show have been repeated using FactSage 8.0. Where necessary the text has been revised and new screenshots have been prepared to reflect the changes. Particular care has been placed on the applications involving the FTlite and FSstel databases since their optimized data and phase names have changed extensively in the last few years.

    • Thermodynamics of High and Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics - 2020

      This new slide show of over 60 pages presents a Review of Engineering Thermodynamics and Computational Thermodynamic Databases for High and Ultra-high Temperature Ceramics. There are many examples of various applications such as Refractory reactions with F containing slag/flux; Ladle Furnace (LF) Slags; Corrosion of Ladle purging plug by Fe oxides; Nozzle clogging; Carbothermic reduction of ZrO2 to ZrC; Melting, Oxidation, Evaporation and Phase transition of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics; Available Thermodynamic Databases; Oxidation of ZrC-SiC-C (CMC); Self healing CMC; TBC coating: Cubic HfO2 and ZrO2 stabilization; etc.


    2. Modules:


  • Information

    • FactSage 8.0 Updates - this online service was first introduced in FactSage 7.3 and it has worked well. It has been enhanced in FactSage 8.0.

      If your computer has access to the Internet you can use FactSage 8.0 to download and update various FactSage files from www.factsage.com.

      In the FactSage Main Menu click Tools > FactSage Updates to display the following options:

      • Information on updates ...
            - for details on the following options

      • Check for updates ...
            - to list the files that can be updated

      • 1. Update Profiles80.ini ...
            - to update/refresh your FactSage 8.0 expiration dates
        This avoids the necessity to manually download and install an updated Profiles80.ini.
        (Note, this update operation can now be done automatically - see Automatically update Profiles80.ini below).

      • 2. Update FactSage 8.0 patches ...
            - to update and install the latest FactSage 8.0 patches.
        This avoids the necessity to manually download and install the FactSage 8.0 patches.

      • 3. Download the complete FactSage 8.0 Update/Installation Package ...
            - the most recent FactSage 8.0 Package (CD-FactSage80.exe) with the latest profiles file, Profiles80.ini.

      • 4. Download the complete FactSage 8.1 Update/Installation Package ...
            - this will be available after FactSage 8.1 has been released at a future date.


      • Automatically update Profiles80.ini - this option is new in FactSage 8.0
            - when necessary the latest Profiles80.ini is updated and the FactSage 8.0 expiration dates are automatically refreshed. Any new special database FSstel, FTlite, SpMCBN, etc. and dongle will be refreshed at the same time.
        This is the recommended setting.

      • Do NOT automatically update Profiles80.ini
        - in order to update Profiles80.ini you must first select Check for updates ... and then select 1. Update Profiles80.ini.
        This setting is not recommended.


      For the updating to succeed the following conditions must be satisfied:

        - your computer has access to www.factsage.com
        - you are running FactSage 8.0 as a standalone or server installation i.e. not network client installation


    • FactSage 8.0 Updates - automatic update of Profiles80.ini - this is new

      When you first run FactSage 8.0 the program tries to connect to www.factsage.com and check if your installation has the latest Profiles80.ini.

      If you have checked Automatically update Profiles80.ini the latest profiles file is downloaded and installed. In such a case you are notified that the following operations will be performed:

    • - the expiration dates will be refreshed

    • - any new dongle will be activated

    • - new databases will be installed/updated.
    • All of these actions will be done automatically.

      Important - after updating the profiles file it is no longer necessary for you to quit FactSage and refresh the installation.


    • FactSage 8.0 Updates - automatic notification - this is as before

      When you first run FactSage 8.0 the program tries to connect to www.factsage.com and check if your installation has the latest special databases and patches.

      If you have checked Automatically update Profiles80.ini the latest profiles file is downloaded and installed as shown above.

      However, if you have NOT checked
      Automatically update Profiles80.ini
      when necessary an 'Updates are ready.' message is posted in the FactSage Main Menu.


  • Documentation - FactSage Browser
    • The total number of stored phase diagrams has been increased by over 700.


  • New file naming convention - modules Reaction, EhpH, Predom, Equilib, Phase Diagram, Mixtures
      In FactSage all private files created by these modules have the naming convention PROG*.dat, where
      - PROG is EHPH, PRED, REAC, EQUI, PHAS and MIXT that correspond to the modules EhPh, Predom, Reaction, Equilib, Phase Diagram and Mixture.

      - * are user-supplied digits 1 - 9999 or alphanumeric descriptions.

      - for example, EHPH1234.dat, PREDFe-SO2-O2.dat, REACH2_plus_O2.dat, EQUIFeO-slag.dat, PHASCaO-SiO2_TvsX.dat, MIXTAir.dat

      In FactSage the file extension *.dat is not limited to the modules above. For example, ChemSage files also employ the same file extension.

      With the Windows Explorer it is difficult to manipulate the files since one cannot order the files by type (file extension). Options 'Save' and 'Save as ..' within the above modules are not supported by the Windows Explorer and so it can be a challange naming or re-naming the file without access to the current list of file names.

      In FactSage 8.0 the file naming convention PROG*.dat has been replaced by a more versatile *.prog. That is, the new file names are *.ehph, *.pred, *.reac, *.equi, *.phas and *.mixt.

      For the examples above the new file names are now:

             - 1234.ehph, Fe-SO2-O2.pred, H2_plus_O2.reac, FeO-slag.equi, CaO-SiO2_TvsX.phas, Air.mixt

      Old PROG*.dat files will still remain accessible to the FactSage 8.0 modules. However new user files will now have the naming convention *.prog. That is, a folder may contain a combination of both formats say EQUI1.dat, EQUI2.dat, 3.equi and 4.equi.

      In the Equilib Directory Window where you select and load stored systems these systems will appear as Equilib Files 1, 2, 3, and 4. If click 'File >' you can select a new option 'Rename all EQUI*.dat files as *.equi'. In the above example you would end up with 1.equi, 2.equi, 3.equi and 4.equi.

      It should be noted that the new files *.prog will not accessible to FactSage 7.3 and prior installations. (To make a file accessible you must rename it as PROG*.dat - see the new option in Equilib Directory Window).


  • View Data

    • What's New in View Data - 'View Data > Help > What's New in View Data ...'

      The link What's New in View Data has been updated and gives a summary of the more important programming changes in View Data that have appeared since FactSage 6.1 (2009) until now FactSage 8.0 (2020).

    • Total number of components

      The summary of data for compounds now includes the total number of components (elements).

      For example the FactPS pure substances database includes 91 elements.



  • Equilib

    • What's New in Equilib - 'Equilib > Reactants Window > Help > What's New in Equilib ...'

      The link What's New in Equilib has been updated and gives a summary of the more important programming changes in Equilib that have appeared since FactSage 6.1 (2009) until now FactSage 8.0 (2020).


  • Macro Processing

    • What's New in Macro Processing - 'Equilib > Reactants Window > File > Macro Processing > What's New in Macro Processing ...'

      The link What's New in Macro Processing has been updated and gives a summary of the more important programming changes in Macro Processing that have appeared since FactSage 5.5 (2007) until now FactSage 8.0 (2020) .

    • Macros and the new file naming convention - *.equi, *.phas, *.mixt

      In FactSage 8.0 private files PROG*.dat have been replaced by *.prog files.

      The macro function $EXIST() and the macro commands OPEN and SAVE have been modified and are backward compatible it is not necessary to apply the new naming convention to old *.mac files. That is, you can load and run old *.mac files and not worry about the new naming convention.

      $EXIST()

      
      $EXIST('FileName')        // = 1 if 'FileName' exists  
      $EXIST(EQUIEx_CH4-O2.dat) // FactSage 7.3 (and prior) naming convention
      $EXIST(Ex_CH4-O2.equi)    // FactSage 8.0 naming convention
      
      The macro function $EXIST is backward compatible.
      For example, $EXIST(EQUIEx_CH4-O2.dat) returns a value 1 if the file Ex_CH4-O2.equi exists.

      OPEN

      
      OPEN 'FileName'        // open (load) Equilib and Phase Diagram files 
      OPEN EQUIEx_CH4-O2.dat // FactSage 7.3 (and prior) naming convention
      OPEN Ex_CH4-O2.equi    // FactSage 8.0 naming convention
      
      The macro command OPEN is backward compatible.
      For example the command OPEN EQUIEx_CH4-O2.dat opens the file Ex_CH4-O2.equi if it exists.

      SAVE

      
      SAVE 'Mixture' GAS (LIQUIDS SOLIDS SOLUTIONS 'phase-name')  // save results in a stream 
      SAVE MIXTMyGas.dat GAS // FactSage 7.3 (and prior) naming convention
      SAVE MyGas.mixt GAS    // FactSage 8.0 naming convention 
      
      The macro command SAVE 'Mixture' is backward compatible.
      For example SAVE MIXTMyGas.dat saves the mixture in MyGas.mixt.

      Macro example

      For an example of backward compatibility run the macro EquiEx_SET_Variables.mac located in the Macros Directory.

      The macro log file posts '-------> Backward compatible: ...' each time the issue is encountered.

    • Encrypted macros

      In FactSage 8.0 it is now possible to encrypt a macro file (*.mac) and create an encrypted macro file (*.mace).

      To perform the encryption go to the Equilb Reactants Window.

      1. Click 'File > Macro processing ... > Encrypt macro ...' and open the macro file (*.mac) you wish to encrypt.

      2. The resulting encrypted macro file (*.mace) will be stored in the same location as the source file.

      3. Note there is no option to decipher the encrypted macro.

      The advantages of an encrypted macro file are:

      • Security.
        The encrypted file cannot be modified or edited. Any attempts to do so render the file corrupt and useless.

      • Confidentiality.
        The contents of the original macro source file are hidden.

        When the macro processing is run the lines of code are displayed in real time in the Macros Window. Use the macros command PRINTOFF to suppress the output and hide the code. Use PRINTON to reactivate the output. See the example below for the commands PRINTOFF and PRINTON.

      • Mobility. The encrypted file is a simple text file that can be copied and emailed as an attachment.

      The encrypted macro file (*.mace) is employed in macro processing in the same manner as a normal macro file (*.mac).

    • Limiting macro access to a given user ID

      The macro functions $USERID and $USERNAME provide the user ID (1-9999) and company name or affiliation.

      Let us say you wish to give macro access only to customer ID 123 Company A-B-C.
      Insert the following commands into the macro file.

      
      DIM %ID %NAME
      %ID = $USERID
      %NAME =  $USERNAME
      PRINTOFF // The following lines will NOT appear in the Macros Window.      
      
      IF %ID <> 123 THEN         // i.e. if ID is not 123
         %TITLE = User ID %ID %NAME  
         MSGBOX Access limited to ID 123 - Company ABC   
         GOTO END                // terminate the macro processing
      ENDIF
      
      PRINTON  // The following lines will appear in the Macros Window.
      ...       
      
      
      To permit access to only IDs 123, 456 and 789 use:

      IF %ID <> 123 AND %ID <> 456 AND %ID <> 789 THEN
      
      To block access to all except IDs 200 - 300 use:
      IF %ID < 200 OR %ID > 300 THEN
      
      When finished remember to encrypt the macro file.

  • Phase Diagram

    • What's New in Phase Diagram - 'Phase Diagram > Components Window > Help > What's New in Phase Diagram ...'

      The link What's New in Phase Diagram has been updated and gives a summary of the more important programming changes in Phase Diagram that have appeared since FactSage 6.1 (2009) until now FactSage 8.0 (2020).

    • New Phase Diagram file structure - *.phas

      Private Phase Diagram files PHAS*.dat have been replaced by *.phas files
      - for details refer to
      New file structure      

    • Time limit - Phase Diagram Parameters Window

          - refer to Time limit - Equilib Parameters Window


    • Automatic temperature labels on polythermal projections

      In FactSage 8.0 there is a new option to automatically label the temperatures of the iso-therms on a polythermal projection.

      The screenshots show the polythermal projections of the Ca-Mg-Zn ternary alloy system and Ca-Al-N-O ternary reciprocal system taken from the stored examples - Phase Diagram > Help > Directory of examples > Polythermal Projections ....'

      The temperature labels (together with the optional units K or oC) have been plotted automatically. They are aligned with the isothermal lines and displaced slightly to improve readability.

      How the temperature labels are generated is shown next in the Manipulate and Refresh Window.

    • Phase Diagram Manipulate and Refresh Window

      For complete details and examples click Phase Diagram Manipulate and Refresh Window.

      The Phase Diagram Manipulate and Refresh Window was first introduced in FactSage 7.2, enhanced in FactSage 7.3 and again here in FactSage 8.0.

      The screenshot shows how to activate the Manipulate and Refresh Window via the Parameters Window ('Phase Diagram > Menu Window > Parameters')

      In addition to the General options that apply to all diagrams, there are now 5 categories for manipulating the calculated phase diagram:

      • phases and labels
      • iso-activity lines
      • tie lines - isothermal diagram
      • polythermal projection
      • aqueous diagram

      The screenshot shows all 5 categories but in actual calculations only 'phases and labels' is displayed together with the other pertinent option.

      For example, only one of 'tie lines - isothermal diagram', 'polythermal projection' or 'aqueous diagram' could be displayed at any given time.

      The screenshots below show the Manipulate and Refresh Window for a polythermal projection.

      In FactSage 8.0 the effects of the options 'color', 'label iso-therms', 'label phase surfaces', 'list T(min) and T(max)', etc. are now stored when the diagram is first calculated. With the Manipulate and Refresh Window you then select which options you wish to apply - the phase diagram is not recalculated but rather it is redisplayed. This is different from FactSage 7.3 where changing the polythermal projection display options in the Parameters Windows would necessitate a recalculation of the diagram.

      In the left diagram most of the display options are unchecked
      - click 'unselect all'.

      In the right diagram the color and display options are all checked
      - click 'select all' - as well as the labels.


      For more details and examples click Phase Diagram Manipulate and Refresh Window.


  • Viscosity

      The Viscosity module calculates the viscosity of single-phase liquid slags (melts) and liquid glasses.

      In FactSage 8.0 a new component, Li2O, has been added to the viscosity databases for both Melts and Glasses. The new lists of components are:

      Al2O3-B2O3-CaO-FeO-Fe2O3-K2O-Li2O-MgO-MnO-Na2O-NiO-PbO-SiO2-TiO2-Ti2O3-ZnO-F melts
            and
      Al2O3-B2O3-CaO-K2O-Li2O-MgO-Na2O-PbO-SiO2 glasses.


    3. Databases:


       In the FactSage Main Menu Window click Documentation for detailed information on the public compound and solution databases.


  • Thermo-Calc TDB databases - converting to FactSage databases

      In FactSage 7.3 GTT-Technologies developed a new utility, ConvTDB, whereby Thermo-Calc Database (TDB) format could be converted to FactSage databases (.cdb .sln .fdb) format. ConvTDB has proved to be very useful.

      Following the feedback from users ConvTDB has been updated for FactSage 8.0. The new ConvTDB is now more reliable and robust - it is more adapt in understanding the TDB database format commands.

      The error descriptions and warnings issued during the conversion process have been improved. In addition new options that control the conversion process have been added.

      The screenshot shows the menu of TDB Settings for the options.
      You click the appropriate option in order to check/uncheck its setting .

      Click 'Use default settings ...' to set all the options to default as displayed in the screenshot.

      For complete details on the options click 'Explanation of the TDB settings ...'.


  • FactPS - the FACT Pure Substances Compound Database

    • FactPS is the compound database for use with the FACT databases (FToxid, FTsalt, etc.).

    • Data for the thermal expansion, isothermal compressibility, pressure derivative of the bulk modulus and thermal conductivity for the following compounds have been updated (92 phases):

        Al2O3 (S1, S2, S3, S4)
        Al2Si2O7
        BaO
        Ca2Al2SiO7
        Ca2Fe2O5
        Ca2SiO4 (S1, S2, S3)
        Ca3Al2O6
        Ca3MgSi2O8
        Ca3Si2O7
        Ca3SiO5
        CaAl12O19
        CaAl2O4
        CaAl2Si2O8 (S1, S2)
        CaAl4O7
        CaCr2O4 (S1, S2)
        CaFe2O4
        CaMgSi2O6
        CaO
        CaSiO3 (S1, S2)
        CaTiO3 (S1, S2)
        CaZrO3 (S1, S2)
        CoO
        Cr2MgO4
        Cr2O3
        Cu2O
        Fe2O3 (S1, S2, S3)
        Fe2SiO4 (S1, S2, S3)
        FeTi2O5
        KAl9O14
        KAlSi2O6 (S1, S2)
        KAlSi3O8 (S1, S2, S3)
        KAlSiO4 (S1, S2)
        Mg2Al4Si5O18
        Mg2SiO4 (S1, S2, S3)
        Mg3Al2Si3O12
        MgO
        MgSiO3 (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7)
        MnO
        NaAl9O14
        NaAlSi2O6
        NaAlSi3O8 (S1, S2)
        NaAlSiO4 (S1, S2)
        NiO
        SiO2 (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8)
        SnO2
        Ti2O3 (S1, S2)
        TiO2 (S1, S2)
        Zn2SiO4
        ZnO
        ZrO2 (S1, S2, S3)
        ZrSiO4

    • Thermodynamic data for the following compounds have been added:

        Ca2ZrSi4O12
        Ca3ZrSi2O9
        Ca6Zr19O44
        CoAs
        CoAs2
        FeAs
        H3AsO3(Aq)
        K10Mg5Si11O32
        K2Ca2Si2O7
        K2Ca2Si9O21
        K2Ca3Si6O16
        K2Ca6Si4O15
        K2CaSiO4
        K2Mg5Si12O30
        K2MgSi3O8
        K2MgSi5O12
        K2MgSiO4
        K3PO4
        K4CaSi3O9
        K4CaSi6O15
        K4Mg2Si5O14
        K4P2O7
        K5P3O10
        K8CaSi10O25
        KH2AsO4
        KNO2
        KPO3
        Li2Ca2Si2O7
        Li2Ca3Si6O16
        Li2Ca4Si4O13
        Li2CaSiO4
        Li5AlO4
        LiAl11O17
        LiAl5O8
        LiAl7O11
        Na2(NO3)(NO2)
        NaAs
        NaAs2

    • The (non-existent) compound LiBeF4 has been removed.

    • Thermodynamic data for the following compounds have been modified/updated:

        K2Cl(NO3)
        K2OH(NO3)
        KNO3
        Li2O
        Li2O2
        Na2OH(NO3)
        Na3(OH)2(NO3)
        NaNO2
        NaNO3
        NaRb3(NO3)4

    • FactPS 8.0 now contains 4928 compounds (was 4920) and 7046 phases (was 7036).


  • FTdemo - the FACT Demonstration Database

    • FTdemo is the name for the old FACT Slide Show database developed around 2001. Although FTdemo is part of FACT Package of Databases, it is for demonstration calculations only. It should be used only for teaching - for example with the Slide Shows.

    • For calculations where the results are important, you must NOT use the FTdemo database. Use the FactPS compound database and the FToxid, FTsalt, etc. databases. For detailed information on the FactPS, FToxid, FTsalt, etc. databases go to the FactSage Main Menu and click on Documentation.


  • FThall - the FACT database for Hall aluminum process

      The FThall database contains the elements Al-Mg-Na-Li-Ca-F-O-C. It is used for thermodynamic and phase equilibrium calculations involving liquid metal - cryolitic bath - Al2O3-based oxides in alumina reduction electrolysis cells, and for molten aluminum treatment with fluoride fluxes.

    • In FactSage 8.0 data for the thermal expansion, isothermal compressibility, pressure derivative of the bulk modulus and thermal conductivity for the following compounds have been updated (26 phases):

        LiF, NaF, MgF2(s1), Al4C3, Na3AlF6(s1), Na3AlF6(s2), Na5Al3F14, Na2LiAlF6(s1), Na2LiAlF6(s2), CaF2(s1), CaF2(s2), LiCaAlF6, NaCaAlF6(s1), NaCaAlF6(s2), NaCaAlF6(s3), Na2Ca3Al2F14, Na4Ca4Al7F33, Li2O, MgO, CaO, Al2O3(s1), Al2O3(s2), Al2O3(s3), Al2O3(s4), NaAl9O14, CaAl12O19.

    • The thermal conductivity and the volumetric properties are only calculated if the 'include molar volume data and physical property data' option is checked.


  • FTlite - the FACT Al-alloy and Mg-alloy Database - formerly known as the FACT Light Metal Alloy Database

      FTlite is primarily designed for thermodynamic and phase equilibrium calculations involving Al alloys and Mg alloys. Calculations involving Ti alloys and Li-Na-K-Mg-Ca-Sr-Ba mixtures can also be performed but not to the extent as for Al- and Mg-alloys.

      In FactSage 7.3 there was a major update and restructuring of FTlite. Extensive and detailed Tables listing the important solutions for calculations involving Al alloys, for solutions in Mg-alloys, and a detailed list of all solutions were given in new documentation (78 pages total!)

      In FactSage 8.0 the help section dealing with the selection of phases and species has been revised. This important information now appears near the beginning rather than at the end of the documentation file.

      Minor update: - there is a correction to the volumetric properties of the Ag(fcc) pure substance in the compound database (s1) and to the FCC_A1 phase in the solution database.


  • FToxid - the FACT Oxide Database

    • The addition of Li2O to FToxid is a major update.

    • Li2O has been added to the Na2O-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system. All binary and ternary subsystems have been optimized. The predictions of the models have been checked against a limited amount of experimental data available for the Li2O-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2, Li2O-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 and Li2O-Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2 quaternary subsystems. When needed, small quaternary parameters were added for the liquid phase to approximately fit the data.

    • The most important subsystems containing both Li2O and K2O, i.e. Li2O-K2O-SiO2 and Li2O-K2O-Al2O3-SiO2, have been approximately optimized, and the limited experimental information on the Li2O-Na2O-K2O-SiO2 quaternary has been checked. Hence, reasonable calculations are expected for the whole Li2O-Na2O-K2O-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system.

    • The database can also be used to make calculations in systems containing both Li2O and F up to about 50% of fluorides. The thermodynamic properties of the liquid phase are most accurate for the Li2O-Na2O-K2O-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-F liquid.

    • 36 new stoichiometric compounds and 11 new solid solutions have been added to the database; 10 solid solutions have been modified.

    • The K2O-P2O5 system has also been reoptimized.

    • 57 phase diagrams have been added (35) or modified (22). The total number of stored FToxid phase diagrams is now 490 (was 455 in 7.3).


  • FTsalt - the FACT Salt Database

      The FTsalt databases contain data for pure salts and salt solutions of 27 main cations:

        Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Al, Fe(II), Fe(III), Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, La, Ce, Th, U(III), U(IV), Pu(III), Pu(IV), Cr(II), Cr(III), Mo(V)

      and 9 main anions:

        F, Cl, Br, I, NO2, NO3, OH, CO3, SO4 as well as for dilute solutions of O2- and OH- in the molten salt phase.

      In FactSage 8.0 the updates to FTsalt include the following changes.

      • NO2 is a new anion.

      • The NaNO3-KNO3-NaNO2-KNO2 ternary reciprocal system has been evaluated and optimized at all compositions. A new list of components(SALTK) related to this system has been added in the SALT liquid solution. The NaNO3-KNO3 binary system now displays two terminal high temperature solid solutions (in FTsalt 7.3 there was only a single high temperature solid solution).

      • The solid solutions, Arag and hR24, have been extended with the addition of nitrites; the G01 solid solution has been adjusted; four new solid solutions, KN_I, NaNB, KNA_, KNB_, have been introduced.

      • Three new compounds,NaNO2, KNO2 and Na2(NO3)(NO2), have been added and data on the seven compounds, NaNO3, KNO3, K2Cl(NO3), K2OH(NO3), Na2OH(NO3), Na3(OH)2(NO3) and NaRb3(NO3)4 , have been revised.

      • Due to the above changes ten NaNO3-containing common-ion binary systems and ten KNO3-containing common-ion binary systems have been adjusted. The corresponding calculated phase diagrams are very similar to the previous ones.

      The total number of stored FTsalt phase diagrams is now 344 (was 338 in 7.3).

      Complete details on FTsalt including all the phase diagrams are given in Documentation in the FactSage Main Menu Window.


  • FScopp - the FactSage Copper Alloy Database

      Minor update: - there is a correction to the volumetric properties of the Ag(fcc) pure substance in the compound database (s1) and to the FCC_A1 phase in the solution database.


  • FSlead - the FactSage Lead Alloy Database

      Minor update: - there is a correction to the volumetric properties of the Ag(fcc) pure substance in the compound database (s1) and to the FCC_A1 phase in the solution database.


  • FSstel - the FactSage Steel Alloy Database

      FSstel covers a wide range of commercial grade carbon steels and stainless steels, and new high advanced steels under development. With the addition of hydrogen (H) the database now contains 32 elements:

        Al, B, Bi, C, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, H, Hf, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, N, O, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Si, Sn, Ta, Ti, V, W, Zn, Zr

      In FactSage 8.0 the FSstel database now includes

      • Zn and AlMgSi galvanizing bath chemistry for steel coatings

      • various compositions ranges of super alloys including MCrAlY

      • various composition ranges of High Entropy Alloy (HEA) including FCC and BCC order/disorder transitions.

      With hydrogen (H) now included in the database, the hydrogen solubilities in liquid and solid FCC, BCC, HCP, etc. are well represented.

      The updates for P and N-containing systems are done as a continuation from FSstel 7.3.

      The model parameters for 18 new binary systems and 10 new ternary systems, as well as several quaternary system, are now included.


      full size

      In summary, the following systems have been updated:

      • Correction of the phase boundary of FCC order/disorder transition in Al-Fe system. No significant change in any Fe-rich region in FSstel 7.3.

      • Addition of binary M-H systems where M = Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Si, Ti, V, Zr. Liquid, FCC, BCC and HCP solutions and important metal hydrate phases are included. In addition, liquid phase in the Ca-H and Zn-H systems are included.

      • Updates of Al-C-Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni-Si-P system for high P-containing sub-systems:
          Binaries: Al-P, Cr-P, Fe-P, Mn-P, Ni-P, Si-P
          Ternaries: Fe-Mn-P, Al-Fe-P, Fe-Si-P, C-Fe-P, Cr-Fe-P, Fe-Ni-P

      • Updates of Al-C-Fe-Mn-Si-N system for high N-containing sub-systems:
          Binaries: Al-N, C-N, Si-N
          Ternaries: Al-Fe-N, C-Fe-N, C-N-Si, Fe-N-Si, Mn-N-Si, Fe-Mn-N, Fe-N-P
          Quaternaries: Al-Fe-N-Si, many quaternary systems with liquid only
          Higher order system: Al-C-Fe-Mn-N-Si

      • Updates of Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni-Ti system for BCC-B2 and FCC-L12 containing alloys (many binary and ternary systems containing FCC and BCC order/disorder transitions were updated). This system is also well connected to Mn. The new database can give satisfactory results for high entropy alloys (HEAs) of Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni, MCrAlY alloys, and other high alloys
          Binaries: Al-Co (FCC is slightly changed)
          Ternaries: Al-Co-Ni, Al-Cr-Ni, Al-Cr-Ti, Co-Cr-Ni, Co-Ni-Ti

      • Al-Fe-Zn-Mg-Si-H (all binary systems and key ternary systems) for Zn galvanizing and new AlMgSi galvanizing alloy systems. No significant update was made but the addition of hydrogen in liquid was carried out (see M-H above)

      • Minor updates for several systems: Ni-Zr, Sn-Ti, Sn-V, Si-Sn-Ti

      The total number of stored FSstel phase diagrams is now 221 (was 198 in 7.3).

      Complete details on FSstel 8.0 including all the phase diagrams are given in 'Documentation' in the FactSage Main Menu Window.


  • SGTE - the SGTE 2020 alloy databases

      The SGTE(2020) database represents a significant update and revision of the previous SGTE(2017) alloy database.

      The 79 elements included in the database are,

        Ag, Al, Am, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, C, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, H, Hf, Hg, Ho, In, Ir, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, N, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Np, O, Os, P, Pa, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Pu, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Tc, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr

      From among these elements, there are some 690 completely assessed binary alloy systems, of which 92 are newly assessed systems and many others have been revised or amended on the basis of newly published experimental information. The database also includes about 141 ternary and 15 higher-order systems for which assessed parameters are available for phases of practical relevance. The systems now incorporate approximately 365 different solution phases and 1470 compound phases (mainly stoichiometric intermetallics).

      The total number of stored SGTE(2020) phase diagrams is 1299 (cf. 1176 in SGTE(2017))

      Complete details on SGTE(2020) including all the phase diagrams are given in Documentation in the FactSage Main Menu Window.


  • SGsold - the SGTE solder alloy databases

      The SGsold alloy phase database 2009 includes 11 elements:

        Ag, Au, Bi, Cu, In, Ni, Pb, Pd, Sb, Sn, Zn

      The systems incorporate approximately 67 different solution phases and 74 stoichiometric intermetallic compound phases.

      In FactSage 8.0 the documentation has been revised and new diagrams have been added.

      The new phase diagrams include 20 ternary systems and a large number of special isothermal sections for which assessed parameters are available for phases of practical relevance. The total number of stored phase diagrams is now 164 (was 55).


  • SpMCBN - the Spencer Group SpMCBN database for non-oxide refractory carbides, borides, nitrides and silicides.

      SpMCBN contains assessed thermodynamic parameters for binary and ternary alloys of high-temperature materials containing carbon, nitrogen, boron, and silicon. The alloys comprise the following systems:

        Me1-Me2-C, Me1-Me2-N, Me1-Me2-B, Me1-Me2-Si, Me-C-N, Me-C-B, Me-C-Si, Me-N-B, Me-N-Si, Me-B-Si, Me1-Me2-Me3

      The elements included in SpMCBN are:

        B, C, N, Si with

        Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Hf, Mg, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, Re, Sc, Ta, Tc, Ti, V, W, Y, Zr

      In FactSage 8.0 the database has been updated and new binary and ternary systems have been added. The lists of the new and revised binary and ternary systems are as follows:

    • Binary systems

        Co-Nb, Co-Zr, Fe-Hf, Fe-Nb, Fe-Re, Fe-Tc, Ni-Ta, Re-W

      A spreadsheet listing all the SpMCBN 8.0 binary assessments has been prepared that summarises the quality of the evaluations (top, good or poor).

      The spreadsheet is accessible via the Documentation module:
      'Documentation > [SpMCBN] > Spreadsheet of binary assessments ...'

      It is also available in the View Data module:
      'View Data > Data compound > SpMCBN > Elements: ALL > Assessments ...'


    • full size

    • Ternary systems

        Al-Fe-Mn

        Co-Cr-Fe, Co-Cr-Mo, Co-Cr-Ni, Co-Cr-Ta, Co-Cr-Zr, Co-Fe-Mn, Co-Fe-Mo, Co-Fe-Nb, Co-Fe-Ni, Co-Fe-Ti, Co-Fe-Y, Co-Fe-Zr, Co-Mo-Ni, Co-Mo-W, Co-Mo-Zr, Co-Nb-Ta, Co-Nb-W, Co-Ni-Re, Co-Ni-Ta, Co-Ni-Ti, Co-Ni-Y, Co-Re-Y, Co-Ti-V, Co-Ti-Zr

        Cr-Fe-Mn, Cr-Fe-Nb, Cr-Fe-Ti, Cr-Fe-Y, Cr-Fe-Zr, Cr-Hf-Ni, Cr-Hf-V, Cr-Hf-Zr, Cr-Nb-Ni, Cr-Nb-V, Cr-Nb-W, Cr-Ni-Sc, Cr-Re-Ta, Cr-Re-W, Cr-Ti-V, Cr-V-Zr, Cr-W-Zr

        Fe-Hf-Y, Fe-Hf-Zr, Fe-Mo-Nb, Fe-Mo-Ta, Fe-Mo-Ti, Fe-Mo-V, Fe-Mo-Y, Fe-Nb-Ni, Fe-Nb-Ta, Fe-Nb-Ti, Fe-Nb-W, Fe-Nb-Y, Fe-Ni-Ta, Fe-Ni-Ti, Fe-Ni-V, Fe-Ta-W, Fe-Ta-Y, Fe-Ti-V, Fe-Ti-W, Fe-Ti-Y, Fe-W-Y, Fe-Y-Zr

        Hf-Mo-Y, Hf-Nb-Zr, Hf-Ni-Ti, Hf-Ta-V, Hf-Ta-W, Hf-Ti-Zr


      The total number of stored SpMCBN phase diagrams is now 740 (cf. 664 in 7.3)

      Complete details on SpMCBN 8.0 including all the phase diagrams are given in Documentation in the FactSage Main Menu.


  • TDMeph - the MEPHISTA-15 nuclear database developed by IRSN.

      TDmeph is a special database developed for new generation nuclear fuels containing the following 14+2 elements:

        O, U, Pu, Zn, Fe, Si, C, Ba, Ce, Cs, La, Mo, Ru, Sr + Ar, H.

      In FactSage 8.0 the database has been updated and new binary and ternary systems have been added. The lists of the new and revised systems are as follows:

    • Binary systems

        Ba-Ce, C-Ce, C-Cs, C-Pu, C-Sr, C-U , Ce-Cs, Ce-Fe, Ce-La, Ce-Mo, Ce-O, Ce-Pu, Ce-Ru, Ce-Si, Ce-Sr, Ce-U, Ce-Zr, La-Ru, Mo-O, Mo-Pu, O-Pu, Ru-U

    • Pseudobinary systems

        BaO-CeO2, BaO-ZrO2, CeO2-La2O3, CeO2-SrO, Ce2O3-MoO3, Ce2O3-SiO2, CeO2-ZrO2, Ce2O3-ZrO2, La2O3-ZrO2, PuO2-ZrO2, PuO2-UO2

    • Ternary systems

        Ce-O-Pu, Fe-O-Pu, La-O-Pu, Mo-O-Pu, O-Pu-Si, O-Pu-Sr, O-Pu-Zr, C-O-Pu

        Ba-O-Pu, Ba-Mo-O, C-Mo-U, C-O-U, C-Pu-U, Ce-Fe-O, Ce-O-Cs, Ce-O-Pu, Ce-O-U, O-Pu-U, C-Ru-U

      Complete details on TDmeph including the revised documentation are given in Documentation in the FactSage Main Menu.



  • TDNucl - the NUCLEA-15 database developed by IRSN.
      TDNucl contains the following 18+2 elements:

        O, U, Zr, Ag, In, B, C, Fe, Cr, Ni, Ba, La, Sr, Ru, Al, Ca, Mg, Si + Ar, H

      It covers the entire field from metal to oxide domains.

      In FactSage 8.0 the database has been updated and new binary and ternary systems have been added. The lists of the new and revised systems are as follows:

    • Binary systems

        Ag-Al, Ag-B, Ag-C, Al-Ca, Al-Cr, Al-In, Al-Zr, B-C, B-La, B-Ru, C-Ca, C-Cr, C-Mg, C-Ni, C-Sr, C-U, Ca-Mg, Cr-La, Cr-O, In-Zr, La-Ni, La-Ru, Ni-Sr, Ni-Zr, O-U, Ru-U

    • Pseudobinary systems

        Al2O3-CaO, BaO-ZrO2, La2O3-ZrO2

    • Ternary systems

        Al-O-Fe, C-O-U, Ca-Cr-O, Cr-O-Si, Ni-O-Si

    • Pseudoternary systems

        Al2O3-CaO-MgO, Al2O3-MgO-SiO2, CaO-FeO-Fe2O3, CaO-MgO-SiO2, SiO2-FeO-Fe2O3

    • Quaternary systems

        Al-Ca-Fe-O, Al-Fe-O-Si, Ca-Cr-O-Si

      Complete details on TDnucl including the revised documentation are given in Documentation in the FactSage Main Menu.


  • Public Databases

      Screenshot showing the summary of public databases in FactSage 8.0.

  • FactPS, ELEM and SGPS are compounds-only (pure substances) databases. All the other databases contain both compound and solution data.

  • FactPS, FToxid, FTsalt, FTmisc, FThall, FTOxCN, FTfrtz, FThelg, FTpulp ELEM and FTdemo are included in the FACT package of databases. FTlite and FTnucl are special databases that are leased separately.

  • FactPS, FToxid, FTsalt, FThall, FSstel, SGsold, SpMCBN, TDmeph and TDnucl, have been updated in FactSage 8.0.

  • SGTE(2020) is new in FactSage 8.0.

  • SGTE(2011) has been dropped from FactSage 8.0 and SGnucl was dropped in FactSage 7.3

  • For detailed database information go to the FactSage Main Menu and click Documentation.




  • 4. Previous FactSage Versions


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