Simultaneous Observation of Melt Flow and Motion of Equiaxed Crystals During Solidification Using a Dual Phase Particle Image Velocimetry Technique. Part I: Stage Characterization of Melt Flow and Equiaxed Crystal Motion

A dual phase particle image velocimetry technique is applied to study the flow pattern during a combined equiaxed-columnar solidification process. This technique is able to measure simultaneously the liquid and the equiaxed grain velocity pattern within an academic Ammonium Chloride water ingot. After the formation of a steady convection pattern, solutal buoyancy together with falling crystals destabilize and break the steady convection flow into multiple chaotic cells. In the beginning of the solidification process, the flow transitioned from 2D to a 3D turbulent regime. The kinetic energy for the flow was calculated during the solidification process.