Melt Flow-Induced Mechanical Deformation and Fracture Behaviour of Dendrites in Alloy Solidification

Cellular automaton-finite volume approach and finite element method are combined to study flow-induced dendritic deformation in alloy solidification. Simulation results reveal that dendrites can undergo mechanical fracture in Al–Cu alloy solidification. The root of primary dendrite is not the location of maximum stress due to secondary dendritic bridging and uneven radius of the primary dendritic trunk. Corresponding dendrite deformation and fracture mechanisms are suggested in the paper.