Simulation of thermos-solutal convection induced macrosegregation in a Sn-10%Pb alloy benchmark during columnar solidification

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of thermo-solutal convection on the formation of macrosegregation during columnar solidification, simulations with a liquid-columnar two phase model were carried out on a 2D rectangular benchmark of Sn-10%Pb alloy. The solidification direction in the benchmark is unidirectional: (1) downwards from top to bottom or (2) upwards from bottom to top. Thermal expansion coefficient, solutal expansion coefficient and liquid diffusion coefficient of the melt are found to be key factors influencing the final macrosegregation. The segregation range and distribution are also strongly influenced by the benchmark configurations, e.g. the solidifying direction (upwards or downwards) and boundary conditions, et al. The global macrosegregation range increases with the velocity magnitude of the melt during the process of solidification.