Recent progress on apparatus development and in situ observation of metal solidification processes via synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging: A review

Abstract

The solidification process of metals plays a critical role in their final microstructure and, correspondingly, in their performance. It is therefore important to probe the solidification behavior of metals using advanced in situ techniques. Synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging is one of the most powerful techniques to observe the solidification process of metals directly. Here, we review the development of the solidification apparatus, including the directional solidification device, resistance furnace, multi-field coupling device, semisolid forming device, aerodynamic levitation apparatus, and laser additive manufacturing apparatus. We highlight the recent research progress on the use of synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging to reveal the solidification behavior of metals in the above circumstances. The future perspectives of synchrotron radiation X-ray imaging in metal research are discussed. Further development of this technique will contribute to improve the understanding of the solidification process of metals and other types of materials at different scales.