An enthalpy method for modeling dendritic growth in a binary alloy

An enthalpy fixed grid method is developed for modeling dendritic growth in an under-cooled binary alloy. The proposed numerical method couples explicit finite difference solutions of equations expressing the conservation of enthalpy and solute to an iterative procedure that enforces node by node consistency between enthalpy, solute, liquid fraction, and interface under-cooling. Calculations made with the scheme, are consistent with previously reported work, agree well with limit analytical solutions, approach the correct steady-state tip operating conditions, show grid size independence, are relatively free of grid anisotropy, and can be obtained with a low CPU cost. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.