Numerical results for the solidification morphologies of pure Nickel and Iron, obtained by a two dimensional Phase Field model, conformed qualitatively well with the dendritic form, clearly depicting developed primary and secondary branches. Additionally, the steady state solidification velocity obtained in the present simulations fitted the experimental data over a wide range of undercoolings. It has been observed that the solid-liquid interface thickness has a strong effect on both the morphology and steady state solidification velocity. A thicker interface which might reduce computation time may produce inconsistent results. The best results were obtained using an interface 4x10-8m thick.
Numerical modeling; solidification; phase-field; dendrite
