On the Origin of Grid Anisotropy in the Simulation of Dendrite Growth by a VFT Model

Abstract

A virtual front tracking model, based on solute and heat diffusion in two dimensions, is chosen to capture the full microstructural behavior of dendritic solidification in a binary alloy. We use a simple method of calculation, easy to perform, with relatively high stable time step, to simulate the dendrite growth in an Al-8 wt pct Mg alloy for which no numerical simulation has been carried out in the past. Local equilibrium at the liquid solid interface and the buildup of solute ahead of the interface are solved, and the dendrite growth process is simulated in isothermal solidification conditions. We show that the artificial grid anisotropy originates from the four cell neighborhood method adopted for capturing the moving front. By a correct neighborhood configuration, a grid independent set of results and expected phenomena are reproduced for a free dendrite growing either aligned or inclined with the grid. The dendrite morphology and orientation, and the growth velocity are explored via physical simulation parameters such as undercooling and surface tension anisotropy.