An Evaluation of Primary Dendrite Trunk Diameters in Directionally Solidified Al-Si Alloys

Abstract

The primary dendrite trunk diameters of Al-Si alloys that were directionally solidified over a range of processing conditions have been evaluated. The empirical data are analyzed with a model that is an extension of one used to describe the ripening of dendrite arms. The analysis, based primarily on an assessment of secondary dendrite arm dissolution in the mushy zone, fits well with the experimental data. It is suggested that the primary dendrite trunk diameter is a useful metric that correlates well with the actual solidification processing parameters, and complements the conventionally used primary, secondary, and tertiary arm spacings.