Effect of sample diameter on primary dendrite spacing of directionally solidified Al-4%Cu alloy

The relationship between primary dendrite arm spacing and sample diameter was studied during directional solidification for Al-4%Cu (mass fraction) alloy. It is shown that primary dendrite spacing is decreased with the decrease of the sample diameter at given growth rate. By regressing the relationship between primary dendrite arm spacing and the growth rate, the primary dendrite arm spacing complies with 461.76v^-0.53, 417.92v^-0.28 and 415.83v^-0.25 for the sample diameter of 1.8, 3.5 and 7.2 mm, respectively. The primary dendrite spacing, growth rate and thermal gradient for different sample diameters comply with 28.77v^-0.35G^-0.70, 23.17v^-0.35G^-0.70 and 23.84v^-0.35G^-0.70, respectively. They are all consistent with the theoretical model λ₁=k_bν^-a1G^-b1, and b₁/a₁=2. By analyzing the experimental results with classical models, it is shown that KURZ-FISHER model fits for the primary dendrite spacing in smaller sample diameters with weaker thermosolute convection. Whereas TRIVEDI model is suitable for describing primary dendrite arm spacing with a larger diameter (d>2 mm) where convection should be considered.