Phase-field modelling of rapid solidification of alloys

The project aims at developing a phase-field model for simulating solidification of Ni-based alloys during rapid solidification, as encountered during additive manufacturing. Current phase-field models for solidification are based on the local equilibrium assumption to be valid at the moving interface. This approximation is working well for common solidification methods such as Bridgman processing and shape casting. During additive manufacturing however much higher cooling rates are observed, resulting in deviation from local equilibrium. This is commonly referred to as rapid solidification. In order to simulate microstructure formation during additive manufacturing, current phase-field models need to be extended accordingly.