Simultaneous control of solidus and liquidus lines in alloy solidification

A methodology based on inverse analysis techniques is presented for simultaneous control of solidus and liquidus lines, and hence the mushy zone thickness, in the directional solidification of alloy materials. In order to minimize the risk of freckle formation in the casting process, specific distributions of heat fluxes on the boundaries of the model are predicted that result in a narrow mushy zone. To this end, the heat fluxes should be so evaluated that the positions of the solidus and liquidus lines can be controlled simultaneously. The numerical formulation of the solidification process is carried out by a previously established truly meshless technique. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified through some 2D numerical examples. The numerical examples assess the great potential of the proposed method in confining the mushy zone to a narrow part of the domain.