Microdynamic Mechanisms of Crystal Growth Under Applied Electric Fields

Abstract

AbstractOn the basis of the model of atomic cluster jump theory, a microdynamical model of crystal growth rate was developed under an electric field. Theoretical analysis indicates that the crystal growth rate is dependent on not only the nature of the metal, the undercooling and so on but also the applied electric fields. Moreover, a novel model, which shows the effect of an applied electric field on the solute distribution, the constitutional undercooling and the temperature distribution at solid/liquid interface during unidirectional solidification, has been established theoretically. Analytical results show that the electrotransport of solute strongly influences the solute distribution and then changes the constitutional undercooling and the temperature distribution. But all changes are connected with the electric current direction of the applied electric field (positive or negative).