Solidification of Metals

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Solidification is a nucleation and growth process

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 Energetic aspects

2 types of energy are involved

The first one relates to the Gibbs free of energy of the transformation:

Me(liq) à Me (sol)

If solidification may occur (temperature lower than melting point), DG < 0

Considering the nucley is a sphere, DG is proportional to the volume

DG = 4/3 Pr3 x DGvol

The other energetic term relates to the formation of an interface between the existing liquid and
the new solid, involving na interface energy, which is always positive

DG = 4 Pr2 x gs-l

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 Solidification

Energetic aspects
DGglobal = 4/3 Pr3 x DGvol + 4 Pr2 x gs-l

what gives a critical radius value of

r* = 2 gs-l / DGvol

The critical radius is the radius corresponding to the maximum of energy. This is na energy barrier
to overcome

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 Solidification

Energetic aspects
Higher degree of supercooling implies lower critical radius

Homogeneous nucleation

Heterogeneous nucleation

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Solidification

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 Solidification

Continuous casting of metals

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 Solidification

Continuous casting of metals