Phase-field modeling of eutectic structures on the nanoscale: the effect of anisotropy

A simple phase-field model is used to address anisotropic eutectic freezing on the nanoscale in two (2D) and three dimensions (3D). Comparing parameter-free simulations with experiments, it is demonstrated that the employed model can be made quantitative for Ag–Cu. Next, we explore the effect of material properties and the conditions of freezing on the eutectic pattern. We find that the anisotropies of kinetic coefficient and the interfacial free energies (solid–liquid and solid–solid), the crystal misorientation relative to pulling, the lateral temperature gradient play essential roles in determining the eutectic pattern. Finally, we explore eutectic morphologies, which form when one of the solid phases are faceted, and investigate cases, in which the kinetic anisotropy for the two solid phases is drastically different.