Three-dimensional phase-field simulations of the influence of diffusion interface width on dendritic growth of Fe-0.5 wt.%C alloy

Fe–C alloys have become one of the most important parts of modern industries. An understanding of the solidification behavior and microstructure formation in Fe–C alloys is necessary for improving their performance. Based on a three-dimensional quantitative phase-field model, we studied the solidification process of Fe-0.5 wt.%C alloy under isothermal conditions and the influence of the diffusion interface width (DIW) on dendritic growth. The results show that when the DIW decreases, the degree of solute enrichment at the solid/liquid interface decreases, the growth velocity of primary dendrite arms increases, and the number and length of secondary dendrite arms increases. Graphical abstract The change of dendrite morphology with the increase of W 0 at t = 300 τ 0 .