Phase-field simulation of solidification microstructure evolution in the presence of lateral constraints

Abstract

Lateral constrains in presence of melt has a significantly effect on microstructure evolution of crystal growth, and this effect is related to the size and properties of lateral constrains, thus determining microstructure forming during solidification. In the paper, microstructure evolution in the presence of lateral constrains during solidification of Ni-40.8%Cu metal alloy was simulated using a non-isothermal phase-field model. Effects of size and properties of lateral constrains were simulated and studied, also microstructure forming with different initial dendritic arm distance was discussed. Results indicated that the presence of lateral constrains had a direct influence on pattern evolution which determined microstructure forming. Microstructures had a significant change with small lateral constrains' distance, low initial constrain temperature and large initial dendrite arm distance, different height of lateral constrains had almost same effect on microstructure change during solidification.