Verification of a binary fluid solidification model in the finite-volume flow solver

TL;DR

This paper verifies a new numerical model for binary fluid solidification within a flow solver, assessing its accuracy and applicability through analytical extension and a practical case study of Al-Cu alloy solidification.

Contribution

It introduces and verifies a coupled solidification model with a flow solver, highlighting the effects of linearization on predictive accuracy and demonstrating its application to alloy solidification.

Findings

Linearization affects prediction of solidus and liquidus lines.

Accurate coupling is essential for predicting solidification fronts.

Model successfully applied to Al-Cu alloy solidification.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to verify the new numerical implementation of a binary fluid, heat conduction dominated solidification model. First, we extend a semi-analytical solution to the heat diffusion equation, next, the range of its applicability is investigated. It was found that the linearization introduced to the heat diffusion equation negatively affects the ability to predict solidus and liquidus lines positions whenever the magnitude of latent heat of fusion exceeds a certain value. Next, a binary fluid solidification model is coupled with a flow solver, and is used in a numerical study of Al-4.1%Cu alloy solidification in a two-dimensional rectangular cavity. An accurate coupling between the solidification model and the flow solver is crucial for the correct forecast of solidification front positions and macrosegregation patterns.