Particle-solidification front dynamics using a fully coupled approach, Part 1: methodology

The interaction of a solidification front with an embedded particle is studied using numerical simulations to couple phase change with particle motion. The particle moves under the influence of forces that act across the gap between it and the advancing solidification front. A sharp-interface method is used to track both the phase boundary and the particle. The results show that the present coupled model leads to pushing/engulfrnent interactions that differ from previously used semi-analytical models. The method employed in this paper allows for inclusion of the effects of thermal property differences between the particle and the matrix, thus enabling detailed analysis of the role of thermal transport in particle engulfment phenomena. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.