Gabriel Faivre: his legacy on eutectic solidification

Abstract

In the honor of Gabriel Faivre (1944-2020), I will present a review of major scientific contributions to the understanding of the dynamics of eutectic growth patterns. From the end of the 1980s, Gabriel Faivre undertook a systematic research in solidification guided by the new concepts of the nonlinear physics of out-of-equilibrium pattern formation. Drawing on his outstanding capabilities as an experimentalist, he refined the method of in situ directional solidification of model alloys. With constant reference to physics and metallurgy, he succeeded in carrying out a high-level research, keen to reach strong qualitative impact and quantitative accuracy. Gabriel Faivre made key discoveries, together with coworkers and young researchers in Paris, and in collaboration with materials scientists and physicists in France and abroad. From symmetry breaking instabilities to eutectic cells and dendrites, over rod-like and labyrinth patterns, full light has been shed onto new phenomena, fascinating to the eye and the mind. During the last decade, Gabriel Faivre mentored an in-depth analysis of interfacial-anisotropy effects on coupled-growth patterns, thus reconciliating the theories of regular eutectics and crystal-orientation dependent eutectic-grain growth. Being both a rigorous scientist and a generous colleague, he left us a vast legacy of prospective research topics in solidification and crystal-growth science. Sharing his knowledge of fine arts and humanities, Gabriel Faivre also instilled the best of intellectual thinking in those who were fortunate enough to work with him.