Maximum entropy generation rate density and its application to microstructural evolution

A solidification model based on the principle of maximum entropy production rate (MEPR) is considered for the study of pure metals. The approach leads to the development of a breakdown criterion which is able to account for the solidification velocity and solid-liquid interface (SLI) thickness. The quantitative knowledge of the SLI thickness and the maximum entropy generation rate density obtained at breakdown gives an insight about the structure of the SLI during solid to liquid phase transformation. The formation of facet and non-facet morphology, and their transitions are accounted for, which is a function of solidification velocity, heat of fusion, density and the crystallographic growth plane.