TY - GEN
T1 - Combined analytical and numerical front tracking approach to modeling directional solidification of a TiAl-based intermetallic alloy for design of microgravity experiments
AU - Rebow, Marek
AU - Browne, David J.
AU - Fautrelle, Yves
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - A three-step combined analytical and numerical approach to thermal modelling of a two-heater power-down furnace for controlled directional solidification of an intermetallic alloy is proposed. An analytical sensitivity analysis of the thermal model is carried out to show the effect of adiabatic zone length, and both hot-zone and cold-zone heater temperatures, on the initial thermal gradient in the sample and on the length of melt in the adiabatic zone. The subsequent axisymmetric front tracking method (FTM) simulations of directional solidification of a binary intermetallic Ti-46at.%Al alloy show that temperature gradient in the melt declines and velocity of the solid-liquid front increases with time, thus promoting good conditions for a columnar to equiaxed transition. The proposed analytical calculations combined with full-scale numerical FTM simulations provide a convenient and predictive optimization tool for the two-heater power-down furnace design and growth conditions for the future microgravity experiments.
AB - A three-step combined analytical and numerical approach to thermal modelling of a two-heater power-down furnace for controlled directional solidification of an intermetallic alloy is proposed. An analytical sensitivity analysis of the thermal model is carried out to show the effect of adiabatic zone length, and both hot-zone and cold-zone heater temperatures, on the initial thermal gradient in the sample and on the length of melt in the adiabatic zone. The subsequent axisymmetric front tracking method (FTM) simulations of directional solidification of a binary intermetallic Ti-46at.%Al alloy show that temperature gradient in the melt declines and velocity of the solid-liquid front increases with time, thus promoting good conditions for a columnar to equiaxed transition. The proposed analytical calculations combined with full-scale numerical FTM simulations provide a convenient and predictive optimization tool for the two-heater power-down furnace design and growth conditions for the future microgravity experiments.
KW - Columnar to equiaxed transition
KW - Intermetallic alloys
KW - Microgravity experiments
KW - Modelling
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77955534786&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.649.243
DO - 10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.649.243
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:77955534786
SN - 0878492909
SN - 9780878492909
T3 - Materials Science Forum
SP - 243
EP - 248
BT - Solidification and Gravity V
PB - Trans Tech Publications Ltd
T2 - 5th International Conference on Solidification and Gravity
Y2 - 4 September 2008 through 5 September 2008
ER -