Workbench: an AI approach to materials modelling

The Workbench is an adaptable and efficient tool for performing thermodynamic and kinetic calculations. This computer program uses various artificial intelligence techniques to provide a more versatile modelling system than has been possible with conventional programs. The structure and operation of the program is described and a simplified example is worked through illustrating the Workbench environment. Practical applications are given of the use of the Workbench to predict magnetic microstructures in Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets and to study the long term structural stability of Co-Pd multilayers.