2D Phase-Field Simulation of the Directional Solidification Process

Abstract

The microstructure evolution during the directional solidification of Al-Cu alloy is simulated using a phase field model. The transformation from liquid to solid phase is a non-equilibrium process with three regions (liquid, solid and interface) involved. Phase field model is defined for each of the three regions. The evolution of each phase is calculated by a set of phase field equations, whereas the solute in those regions is calculated by a concentration equation. In this work, the phase field model which is generally valid for most kinds of transitions between phases, it is applied to the directional solidification problem. Numerical results for the morphological evolution of columnar dendrite in Al-Cu alloy are in agreement with experimental observations found in the literature. The growth velocity of the dendrite tip and the concentration profile in the solid, interface and liquid region were calculated.