A three-dimensional model for particle dissolution in binary alloys

A three-dimensional model for particle dissolution in binary alloys is proposed and its numerical solution procedure is described. The model describes dissolution of a stoichiometric particle as a Stefan problem. The numerical method is based on a level set method, which has a wide applicability in modeling moving boundary problems. The present model relies on local thermodynamic equilibrium on the interface between the dissolving particle and the diffusive phase. The level set method is shown to handle complex topological changes in particle break-up very well. The potential of the technique is demonstrated in describing the globularization of planar, perturbed and cracked cementite plates in a pearlitic microstructure.