Three-dimensional modelling and numerical simulation on segregation during Fe-Pb alloy solidification in a multiphase system

The three-dimensional mathematical model for a three-phase flow during its horizontai solidification is studied using fluid dynamics method based on Eulerian-Eulerian and volume of fraction methods, in which the mass, momentum, species, and enthalpy conservation equations of the Fe-Pb alloy solidification process are solved simultaneously. Effects of Pb area quadratic gradient (∇ (∇SPb)) and Pb concentration quadratic gradient (∇ (∇CPb)) on the segregation formation are investigated. Results show that the segregation mode is manifested as X-segregates in the upper and V-segregates in the lower part during flow-solidification of liquid phase and gas phase. The X-segregates result from the phase transformation driving force of gas phase and “scattering” is due to the orientation of phase transition. When t >tc the lower ∇ (∇SPb) and ∇ (∇CPb) curves cause a larger yielding rate of Pb with a larger down angle of X-segregates and a smaller up angle of X-segregates and V-segregates. All these are favorable for the formation of a well-dispersed microstructure. In addition, the gas-liquid two-phase flow interaction term has an effect on channel segregation, showing that channels occur only in the region where the flow-phase transition interaction term (ul·∇cl and ug·∇cg) is negative. With a negative flow-phase transition interaction term the increase in flow velocity due to the flow perturbation and flow-phase transition interaction becomes more negative, thus the channel continues to grow and tends to be stable. Calculated results show good agreement with experimental data.