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Simultaneous melting and solidification of a columnar dendritic microstructure in a temperature gradient: Numerical
Chongchen Xiang1, Qingyu Zhang2, Dongke Sun3
1Shagang School of Iron and Steel, Soochow University, 215137, Suzhou, China.
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|January 30, 2020
Summary
Cellular automaton (CA) modeling and in situ experiments reveal microstructural evolution in SCN-ACE alloys under a temperature gradient. The study details how temperature gradient zone melting (TGZM) influences dendrite arm migration and interface movement.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Metallurgy
- Solidification Science
Background:
- Understanding alloy solidification under thermal gradients is crucial for materials processing.
- Microstructural evolution, including dendrite morphology and interface dynamics, significantly impacts material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microstructural evolution of a SCN-ACE alloy subjected to a temperature gradient.
- To analyze the effects of temperature gradient zone melting (TGZM) on solidification phenomena.
- To validate computational models with experimental observations.
Main Methods:
- Cellular Automaton (CA) modeling to simulate microstructural changes.
- In situ experiments to observe solidification processes in real-time.
- Analysis of interface migration and solute redistribution.
Main Results:
- Observed gradual evolution from columnar dendrites to a planar solid/liquid interface.
- Documented migration of secondary dendrite arms and liquid pockets due to TGZM.
- Demonstrated interface movement driven by solute concentration in the liquid phase.
- Validated CA simulations against analytical predictions for liquid fraction and concentration.
Conclusions:
- CA simulations accurately predict microstructural evolution and interface behavior under thermal gradients.
- TGZM significantly influences the solidification pathway and microstructure.
- The study confirms that supersaturation is avoided in the resolidified mushy zone.
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