Phase field investigation on the selection of initial sidebranch spacing in directional solidification

Initial sidebranch spacing is one of the most important characteristics during directional dendrite growth, which is of interest for both scientific and technologic aspects. Effects of primary spacing, thermal gradient, pulling velocity, and surface tension anisotropy on the initial sidebranch spacing are investigated by using the quantitative phase field model. Simulation results indicate that the initial sidebranch spacing has a scaling law relationship with pulling velocity but is almost independent of primary spacing, thermal gradient and surface tension anisotropy.