the plane-to-cellular-to-dendrite transition of the shape of the crystallization front during the crystallization of al–cu alloys

The evolution of the crystallization front from a planar to a dendritic one as a function of the GL/(Rc0) parameter was investigated during the crystallization of Al–Cu alloys by the vertical Bridgman method. Six series of alloyswith different initial compositions of Cu were solidified at different growth rates. A mathematical model for the heat transfer during vertical Bridgmen crystal growth was developed. The model was solved using the finite element method. The temperature gradient in the melt at the beginning of crystal growth was calculated using the obtainedmodel. Discrete stages of the crystallization front were identified in the experiments, as the ratio GL/(Rc0) decreased.