Particle incorporation in metallic melts during dendritic solidification–undercooling experiments under reduced gravity

The interaction of ceramic particles with a dendritic solid/liquid-interface has been investigated by undercooling experiments with different levels of convection: (i) in a terrestrial electromagnetic levitation facility and (ii) in TEMPUS, a facility for containerless processing, under low gravity conditions during parabolic flights. Entrapment of particles in ground experiments and engulfment of a significant fraction of submicron particles under low gravity conditions are attributed to the lower level of convection in the latter experiments and to morphological features of dendritic solidification. X-ray radiography has been used for in situ observations of directional solidification in Al90Cu10 with alumina particles.