Thermoelectric magnetic flows in melt during directional solidification

Abstract

Thermoelectric magnetic (TEM) flows in melts, which are generated by TEM forces in liquids, were uncovered by the shape evolution of the planar solid/liquid interface during directional solidification. The solid/liquid interface developing from an initially tilted shape to a nearly flat one has been in situ and real-time observed by means of synchrotron X-ray radiography. The corresponding numerical 3D simulations and velocity measurements of flows in the melt confirm that TEM flows exist and respond to this interface shape change. This observation provides visible evidence for TEM flows in melt and their influence on the solid/liquid interface dynamics when directional solidification is conducted in a magnetic field.