A model for columnar-dendritic solidification of binary alloys accounting for dendrite tip undercooling

Abstract

A simplified model for predicting microsegregation during columnar-dendritic solidification of binary alloys is developed, in which back diffusion, dendrite arm coarsening and dendrite tip undercooling are simultaneously incorporated. The inclusion of tip undercooling is accomplished by modifying the initial conditions of the existing solute diffusion model, in such forms that tip undercooling depresses the beginning of solidification below the liquidus temperature, and that the secondary arm spacing evolves in accordance with the minimum undercooling theory. Sample calculations for the well-known benchmark system show that the present predictions not only consist with the extablished limiting cases, but also agree favorably with the available experimental data within a reasonable tolerance. In particular, a typical decreasing trend in the eutectic fraction at high cooling rates is successfully resolved. Comparison of the individual and combined effects of characteristic parameters in reference with the limiting cases reveals the interactions among parameters. Every parameter plays the role of reducing the eutectic fraction, and the degree of influence depends primarily on the cooling rate. Coarsening enhances the effect of tip undercooling, while suppressing that of back diffusion. A vigorous back diffusion seems to restrain the apperance of the undercooling effect. Overall, each contribution of the three parameters to microsegregation is estimated to be of the same order, which suffices to justify the present study.