Analysis of an equiaxed dendrite growth model with comparisons to in-situ results of equiaxed dendritic growth in an Al-Ge alloy

The Lipton Glicksman Kurz (LGK) growth model is commonly used to predict growth rates for equiaxed dendrites in solidifying mushy zones. However, the original LGK method treats an isolated dendrite growing in an infinite volume of liquid. In an equiaxed mushy zone, with multiple nucleation events, thermal and solutal interactions take place between the equiaxed dendrites. A modified version of the LGK model was developed that allows for measurement of the solute build-up ahead of the dendrites. To investigate the validity of the model, comparisons are made with results obtained from in-situ synchrotron X-ray videomicroscopy of solidification in a Bridgman furnace of an Al-12wt.%Ge alloy inoculated with Al-Ti-B grain refiner. Comparisons between the original LGK and modified LGK models are presented for discussion. The modified LGK model shows realistic tip temperature trends.