Simulated evolution process of core-shell microstructures

The evolution process of core-shell microstructures formed in monotectic alloys under the space environment condition was investigated by the numerical simula- tion method. In order to account for the effect of surface segregation on phase separation, Model H was modified by introducing a surface free energy term into the total free energy of alloy droplet. Three Fe-Cu alloys were taken as simulated examples, which usually exhibit metastable phase separation in undercooled and microgravity states. It was revealed by the dynamic simulation process that the formation of core-shell microstructures depends mainly on surface segregation and Marangoni convection. The phase separation of Fe65Cu35 alloy starts from a dispersed structure and gradually evolves into a triple-layer core-shell micro- structure. Similarly, Fe50Cu50 alloy experiences a structural evolution process of "bicontinuous phase → quadruple-layer core-shell → triple-layer core-shell", while the microstructures of Fe35Cu65 alloy transfer from the dispersed structure into the final double-layer core-shell morphology. The Cu-rich phase always forms the outer layer because of surface segregation, whereas the internal microstructural evolu- tion is controlled mainly by the Marangoni convection resulting from the tempera- ture gradient.