A novel integrated model combining Cellular Automata and Phase Field methods for microstructure evolution during solidification of multi-component and multi-phase alloys

A novel numerical model is developed by integrating Cellular Automata (CA) and Phase Field (PF) methods to predict the dendrite growth of multi-component and multi-phase alloys during the solidification process. The micro-scale CA model is built to track dendrite growth and associated mass redistribution, while the 1D PF model reformulated in a polar coordinate system is used to calculate the growth kinetics for the CA interface cells. The integrated CAPF model can take advantage of the high computational efficiency of the CA model and the comprehensive physical background of the PF model. The model has been validated against an analytical model and then applied to the cases of casting and laser welding processes. Good quantitative agreement is obtained between the simulated results and the experiments.