Novel pattern forming process due to the coupling of convection and phase change

We present a novel mechanism of pattern formation behind a flat interface during directional solidification of peritectic alloys. It is shown through computational modeling that irregular oscillatory thermosolutal convection can develop in the vertical Bridgman system, even with bottom seeding and bottom cooling. The coupling of the flow oscillation near the interface with solidification leads to ordered layered structures in the solidified crystal, which agree closely with earlier experimental results.