Effective pore size control method for lotus aluminum by phase field simulation

Abstract The growth process of pores in aluminum during directional solidification was simulated by the multi-phase field method. First, the effect of solid-liquid interface moving speed (V) and temperature gradient (G) on pore size was investigated. We found that the simulation results coincided well with the actual experimental results. Second, V was changed during the formation of the lotus metal under constant G and the appropriate condition was determined for the pore to extend steadily. We confirmed that by controlling V to be negatively proportional to the pore growth rate, the pore could be extended while its width was kept constant.