Cellular Automaton Modeling of Alloy Solidification Using Local Anisotropy Rules

Abstract

AbstractThe evolution of dendritic morphology is simulated for a binary alloy using a two-dimensional cellular automaton growth algorithm. Solute diffusion is modeled with an alternate-direction implicit finite difference technique. Interface curvature and kinetic anisotropy are implemented through configurational terms which are incorporated into the growth potential used by the automaton. The weighting of the anisotropy term is explored and shown to be essential for overcoming grid-induced anisotropy, permitting more realistic development of dendritic morphologies. Dendritic structures are generated for both uniform and directional cooling conditions.