> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dante-solutions-inc.gitbook.io/dante-6.3-help-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dante-solutions-inc.gitbook.io/dante-6.3-help-documentation/readme/material-database/nickel-alloy-data/nickel-alloy-material-control-file.md).

# Nickel Alloy Material Control File

A file is included with each material to allow for certain models and functionality to be activated/deactivated on a material basis. The file has a .CTL extension. Unlike other files in the standard database, the control file is not binary. The control file is in ASCII format and can be edited with any text editor. The activation/deactivation is accomplished using keywords and numerical flags. The following keywords, along with their numerical flags, are shown in the figure and described below.

```
	** KeyWORD format, and double star means comments line
	** ---------------------------------------------------------
	** Default Phase Transformation Kinetics: IFLG_KIN_AL   
	** Precipitation Model [-20(default)].
	** This is used only if the 1st Field (VAR=1) is not defined in input file 
	*IAFLG_KIN
	-20
	** --------------------------------------------------------- 
	** Stress Effect on Precipitation: IFLG_KIN_STRS (1: Activated; 0: Not activated)   
	*IAFLG_KIN_STRS
	 0
	** Work hardening Effect on Precipitation: IFLG_KIN_STRN (1: Activated; 0: Not activated)   
	*IAFLG_KIN_STRN
	 0
	** Hardness Unit: IAFLG_HARD (1: HV; 0: HRC)   
	** In the MAT*CTL file, The hardness can only be specified as HRC
	** This flag can be set up 1 in the DCTRL file if nececcsay
	*IAFLG_HARD
	 1
	** Aluminum Grain Size: IAFLG_GSIZE (1: Activated; 0: Not activated)  
	*IAFLG_GSIZE
	 0
	** Stress Relaxation IAFLG_STSRLX  (1: Activated; 0: Not activated); At temperature (C) above  
	*IAFLG_STSRLX
	 0
	** Whether latent heat of liquid phase transformation: 0(Default/InActive), 1(Active)
	*IAFLG_LIQUID
	 0
	** --END-OF-FILE -------------------------- 
```

***CONTROL FILE KEYWORD DESCRIPTIONS:***

***\*IAFLG\_KIN***: Sets the default phase transformation kinetics mode. If the Phase Transformation Kinetics Mode (1st field variable) is not set in the input file, or is left as ‘default’ in Model Control using the DANTE Plug-In, the value assigned to this keyword will be used. Otherwise, it will be overwritten by the value defined in the input file or Plugin.

* Flags: -20. Please see the Phase Transformation Kinetics Mode section for a detailed description of each mode.

***\*IAFLG\_KIN\_STRS***: Model used to describe the effect stress has on the precipitation of alloying elements. (Model not currently implemented)

* Flags: 1 = Activated; 0 = Not Activated (Default) ***\*IAFLG\_KIN\_STRN***: Model used to describe the effect strain has on the precipitation of alloying elements. (Model not currently implemented)
* Flags: 1 = Activated; 0 = Not Activated (Default)

***\*IAFLG\_GSIZE***: Model used to describe the effect grain size has on precipitation. (Model not currently implemented)

* Flags: 1 = Activated; 0 = Not Activated (Default)

***\*IAFLG\_STSRLX***: Model used to describe the stress relaxation occurring at higher temperatures and relatively shorter times. This model is not intended to capture the effects of long-term creep.

* Flags: 1 = Activated; 0 = Not Activated (Default)

***\*IAFLG\_CREEP***: Model used to describe material creep occurring during relatively long times. This model is intended to capture the effects of long-term creep.

* Flags: 1 = Activated; 0 = Not Activated (Default) ***\*IAFLG\_LIQUID***: Model used to describe the latent heat released as the aluminum transforms from a liquid state to a solid state and the latent heat absorbed as the aluminum transforms from a solid to a liquid. This model is useful when simulating additive manufacturing processes, welding processes, cladding processes, or any process where the aluminum may transform between its solid and liquid states. (Model not currently implemented)
* Flags: 1 = Activated; 0 = Not Activated (Default)