Crystallization of a eutectic Pb-Sn melt in the thermal field of a temperature gradient

The crystallization of a eutectic Pb-Sn melt is investigated under nonuniform conditions in vacuum, in air, and in water. It is found that the structure of the solid-state systems formed depends on the cooling conditions. A structural inhomogeneity in volume and a correlation between the microstructure and the coordinate in a thermal field are revealed. Results of technological, electron-microscopic, and statistical investigations are reported. It is shown that the experiment is consistent with the crystallization theory of eutectic melts.