Phase-field simulation of forced flow effect on random preferred growth direction of multiple grains

The random distribution problem of dendrite preferred growth direction was settled by random grid method.This method was used to study the influence of forced laminar flow effect on multiple grains during solidification.Taking high pure succinonitrile （SCN） undercooled melt as an example,the forced laminar flow effect on multiple grains was studied by phase-field model of single grain which coupled with flow equations at non-isothermal condition.The simulation results show that the random grid method can reasonably settle the problem of random distribution and is more effective.When the solid fraction is relatively low,melt particles flow around the downstream side of dendrite,and the flow velocity between two dendrite arms becomes high.At the stage of solidification time less than 1800Δt,every dendrite grows freely;the upstream dendrites are stronger than the downstream ones.The higher the melt flow rate,the higher the solid fraction.However,when the solid fraction is relatively high,the dendrite arm intertwins and only a little residual melt which is not encapsulated can flow;the solid fraction will gradually tend to equal to solid fraction of melt without flow.

Microstructure and crystal growth direction of Al-Cu alloy

The microstructures and crystal growth directions of permanent mould casting（PMC） and directionally solidified（DS） Al-Cu alloys with different contents of Cu were investigated. Simultaneously, the effects of pouring temperature on the microstructure and crystal growth direction of permanent mould casting pure Al were also discussed. The results indicate that the α（Al） crystals in the pure Al do not always keep common columnar grains, but change from the columnar grains to columnar dendrites with developed arms as the pouring temperature rises. The growth direction also varies with the change of pouring temperature. Cu element has similar effects on the microstructures of the PMC and DS casting Al-Cu alloys and the α（Al） crystals gradually change from columnar crystals in turn to columnar dendrites and developed equiaxed dendrites as the Cu content increases. The crystal growth direction in the PMC alloys gradually approaches （110） orientation with increasing Cu content. But the resulting crystals with growth direction of （110） do not belong to feathery grains. There are also no feathery grains to form in all of the DS Al-Cu alloys.

Preparation and Properties of Sapphire by Edge-defined Film-fed Growth(EFG) Method with Different Growth Directions

Sapphire, belonging to hexagonal crystal system, is typically anisotropic which makes it direction-sensitive. To research the effects of growth directions on properties of sapphire, c-[0001] seed（c-sapphire） and a-[11-20] seed（a-sapphire） were used to prepare sapphire by edge-defined film-fed growth（EFG） method. The samples were analyzed through lattice integrity, dislocation and corrosion performance by double-crystal XRD, OM, AFM, SEM and EDX. It was shown that the lattice integrities of two growth-direction crystals were both well due to the small FWHM values. While the average densities of dislocation in c-sapphire and a-sapphire were 9.2×103 and 3.9×103 cm-2 respectively, the energy of dislocation in c-sapphire was lower than that in a-sapphire. During Strong Phosphoric Acid（SPA） etching, the surface of c-sapphire basically kept smooth but in a-sapphire there were many point-like corrosion pits where aluminum and oxygen atoms lost by 2：1. Our work means that it will be promising for growing c-[0001] seed sapphire by EFG if aided by parameter optimization.

Microstructure and crystal growth direction of Al-Mg alloy

The microstructures and crystal growth directions of permanent mould casting and directionally solidified Al-Mg al oys with different Mg contents have been investigated. The results indicate that the effect of Mg content on microstructure is basical y same for the al oys prepared by these two methods. The primary grains change from cel ular crystals to developed columnar dendrites, and then to equiaxed dendrites as the Mg content is increased. Simultaneously, both the cel ular or columnar grain region and the primary trunk spacing decrease. Al of these changes are mainly attributed to the constitutional supercooling resulting from Mg element. Comparatively, the cellular or columnar crystals of the directionally solidified alloys are straighter and more paral el than those of the permanent mould casting al oys. These have straight or wavy grain boundaries, one of the most important microstructure characteristics of feathery grains. However, the transverse microstructure and growth direction reveal that they do not belong to feathery grains. The Mg seemingly can affect the crystal growth direction, but does not result in the formation of feathery grains under the conditions employed in the study.

Directional growth behavior of a(Al) dendrites during concentration-gradientcontrolled solidification process in static magnetic field

The large and small sized Cu（solid）/Al（liquid） couples were prepared to investigate the directional growth behavior of primary a（Al） phase during a concentration-gradient-controlled solidification process under various static magnetic fields（SMFs）.The results show that in the large couples,the α（Al） dendrites reveal a directional growth character whether without or with the SMF.However,the 12 T magnetic field induces regular growth,consistent deflection and the decrease of secondary arm spacing of the dendrites.In the small couples,the α（Al） dendrites still reveal a directional growth character to some extent with a SMF of ≤5 T.However,an 8.8 T SMF destroys the directional growth and induces severe random deflections of the dendrites.When the SMF increases to 12 T,the a（Al） dendrites become quite regular despite of the consistent deflection.The directional growth arises from the continuous long-range concentration gradient field built in the melt.The morphological modification is mainly related to the suppression of natural convections and the induction of thermoelectric magnetic convection by the SMF.

Selectivity of Crystal Growth Direction in Layered Double Hydroxides

Investigation of selectivity of crystal growth direction in layered double hydroxides is helpful to control their particle sizes in different directions. Mg-AI layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized using a coprecipitation method. The influences of aging temperature, aging time, and Mg/AI molar ratio on the crystal structure, the LDHs particle size, and the selectivity of crystal growth in different directions were investigated. The results show that the size of the crystallites in the a direction is larger than that in the c direction for all experimental conditions, indicating faster crystal growth in the a direction than in the c direction. The crystallite sizes in the a and c directions both increase with decreasing Mg/AI molar ratio but with less difference between the sizes in the two directions. Therefore, the crystal growth rate in the c direction increases more than that in the a direction as the Mg/AI molar ratio decreases. The influence of the aging time, aging temperature, and Mg/AI molar ratio on the selectivity of the crystal growth direction can be used to prepare LDHs with selected sizes in the a and c directions.

Formation of twinned dendrites during unidirectional solidification of Al-32%Zn alloy

The present study focused on the formation and crystallographic orientation of twinned dendrites coexisting with equiaxed grains in unidirectional solidification of Al-32%Zn(mass fraction)alloy.The morphology was investigated by optical metallograph and electron back-scattered diffraction technique.Results showed that the macrostructure of the alloy exhibited a typical feathery and fan-like structure while the microstructures were elongated lamellas,which were separated by coherent and incoherent twin boundaries.Both the primary trunk and all lateral arms of twinned dendrites grew along〈110〉directions,unlike regular〈100〉α(Al)dendrites.The facet growth of crystals at solid/liquid interface was responsible for the origin of twinned dendrites during the weak local convection,and high thermal gradient and medium solidification velocity had significant contribution to the formation of twinned dendrites.The formation mechanism of twinned dendrites which consisted of three multiplication ways of new twin boundaries formation and one way of dendrite evolution in twin plane was shown schematically.

Role of neurotrophic factors in enhancing linear axonal growth of ganglionic sensory neurons in vitro

Neurotrophins play a major role in the regulation of neuronal growth such as neurite sprouting or regeneration in response to nerve injuries. The role of nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in maintaining the survival of peripheral neurons remains poorly understood. In regenerative medicine, different modalities have been investigated for the delivery of growth factors to the injured neurons, in search of a suitable system for clinical applications. This study was to investigate the influence of nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor on the growth of neurites using two in vitro models of dorsal root ganglia explants and dorsal root ganglia-derived primary cell dissociated cultures. Quantitative data showed that the total neurite length and tortuosity were differently influenced by trophic factors. Nerve growth factor and, indirectly, brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulate the tortuous growth of sensory fibers and the formation of cell clusters. Neurotrophin-3, however, enhances neurite growth in terms of length and linearity allowing for a more organized and directed axonal elongation towards a peripheral target compared to the other growth factors. These findings could be of considerable importance for any clinical application of neurotrophic factors in peripheral nerve regeneration. Ethical approval was obtained from the Regione Piemonte Animal Ethics Committee ASLTO1(file # 864/2016-PR) on September 14, 2016.

Phase field study on crystal orientation effects in eutectoid phase transformation

In this present work, a multi-phase field model was used to simulate the eutectoid transformation process, and on the basis of the nucleation model that was previously proposed by our research team, anisotropic and orientation relationship models were introduced to study the growth mechanism of the pearlite lamellae with anisotropy. It was found that the growth direction of the pearlite lamellae is related to its orientation and spacing. In the process of lamellar growth, deflection growth of pearlite will appear along with the adjustment of lamellar spacing, and the deflection angle is equal to the orientation difference between the austenite and the pearlite. Comparison between experimental and numerical results indicates a good consistency in pearlite morphology.

定向凝固氧化物共晶陶瓷的制备工艺与性能

定向凝固氧化物共晶陶瓷以优异的高温性能,包括热稳定性、抗氧化烧蚀能力,高温机械性能,特别是高温断裂韧性和变形能力、抗蠕变性等,引起广泛关注,被认为是最有发展前景的新一代超高温结构材料。从共晶材料体系、制备方法、共晶相生长机制、力学性能等回顾了定向凝固共晶陶瓷的研究进展,探讨该研究方向亟待解决的问题。

定向凝固Al_2O_3基共晶陶瓷

近年来,定向凝固Al_2O_3基共晶陶瓷由于具有优异的高温力学性能,成为研究重点。各国学者通过改进工艺,提高温度梯度,使其力学性能不断提高,并且对于陶瓷的凝固理论也在不断完善。介绍了国内外学者的工作进展,并对陶瓷凝固理论进行总结,指出了在保证力学性能的前提下,获得大尺寸的定向凝固共晶陶瓷是未来的研究重点。

FDI Contributions to GDP in China, India and Brazil

The paper employs lineal regression models to probe into the contributions of FDI made to GDP in China, India and Brazil, finding out that in China FDI have made the greatest contribution to GDP, next is India and the last is Brazil. On this basis, it proposes that it is necessary and imperative to implement such strategies as revitalizing nation through science and technology, increasing investment in research, development and education, and improving the enterprise＇s own originality.

In-Situ Observation of Proeutectoid Ferrite Growth Process in Carbon Steel Under Continuous Cooling Conditions

The growth of proeutectoid ferrite in Fe-0.15%C-0.8 % Mn carbon steel during continuous cooling process was observed in situ and tracked dynamically by using a high temperature confocal scanning laser microscope （ HTC SLM）, and the growing process was also investigated. The growth regularity of proeutectoid ferrite plates within austenite was obtained by analyzing the growth fashions and directions and quantitatively studying the growth rates. The results show that the proeutectoid ferrite plates grow in the fashion of creeping, twisting, branching off and de flection within austenite grain. The proeutectoid ferrite plates can grow up along preferential orientation but not strictly. Its growth direction fluctuates and changes in a small range. The growth rate also changes with the change in growth fashion and direction. When the proeutectoid ferrite grows in the fashion of deflection, the average growth rate of proeutectoid ferrite before its deflection is about 61.9, and 46.2 μm/s after the 15°deflection. At the begin ning of proeutectoid ferrite growing, there is a fast growing stage. As the tip of proeutectoid ferrite extends forward continuously, the growth rate will slow down. Therefore, it will induce the proeutectoid ferrite to deflect and grow along another favorable direction, then it will grow rapidly again.

Unconventionally anisotropic growth of PbSe nanorods:Controllable fabrication under solution-solid-solid regime over Ag2Se catalysis for broadband photodetection

Broadband optoelectronic devices intrigue enormous interests on account of their promising potential in optical communications,sensors and environmental monitoring.PbSe nanocrystals are promising candidates for the construction of next-generation photodetectors due to their fascinating intrinsic properties and solution-processed compatibility with varied substrates.Here,we report the fabrication of a broadband photodetector on the basis of high-quality solution-processed PbSe nanorods in rock-salt phase grown along unconventionally anisotropic growth direction of<112>zone axis.The rock-salt PbSe nanorods are synthesized in solution phase over the catalysis of Ag2Se with relatively high-temperature body-centered cubic phase via a solution-solid-solid growth regime using oleylamine and oleic acid as solvents and stabilizer surfactants,from which the PbSe nanorods with the unconventionally anisotropic growth direction are controllably grown in size and shape in the synthetic procedure typically with about 17 nm in diameter and 58 nm in length on average.Meanwhile,the PbSe nanorods-based photodetector exhibits a broadband response from 405 to 1,064 nm with a high responsivity of 0.78 A·W^(-1)and a fast response time of 17.5μs.The response time is much faster in comparison with most of the PbSe-based photodetectors with response time in millisecond level.

Simulation study of conductive filament growth dynamics in oxide-electrolyte-based ReRAM

Monte Carlo （MC） simulations, including multiple physical and chemical mechanisms, were performed to investigate the microstructure evolution of a conducting metal filament in a typical oxide-electrolyte-based ReRAM. It has been revealed that the growth direction and geometry of the conductive filament are controlled by the ion migration rate in the electrolyte layer during the formation procedure. When the migration rate is rela- tive high, the filament is shown to grow from cathode to anode. When the migration rate is low, the growth direction is expected to start from the anode. Simulated conductive filament （CF） geometries and I-V characteristics are also illustrated and analyzed. A good agreement between the simulation results and experiment data is obtained.

Synthesis and modification of nanowires anchored on electrodes for electrochemical and electrophysical applications

The integration of nanowires onto electrode surfaces marks a significant advancement over traditional electrode materials,conferring upon nanowire-modified electrodes a vast array of applications within electrochemical and electrophysical domains.The nanowires used for electrode modification can be catalogized into two distinct types:anchored nanowires and free-standing nanowires.A critical advantage of anchored nanowires lies in their enhanced electrical connectivity with the substrate,which reduces electrode resistance and facilitates charge transport.Furthermore,the anchorage of nanowires onto electrodes provides additional mechanical support,bolstering the structural stability of the nanowire assembly.Here,we review the development of anchored nanowires designed for applications in energy storage,electrocatalysis,and electric field treatment(EFT)over the past decade.We focus on the synthesis and modification strategies employed for anchored nanowires,culminating in the evaluation of these fabrication and enhancement techniques.Through this analysis,we aim to furnish comprehensive insights into the preparation of anchored nanowires,guiding the selection of appropriate fabrication processes and subsequent functional modifications.

Morphological evolution of the solid-liquid interface near grain boundaries during directional solidification

Morphological evolution of the solid-liquid interface near grain boundaries has been studied during directional solidification of succinonitrile-based transparent alloys (SCN-0.9wt%DCB). Experimental results show that the grain boundary provides the starting point of morphological instability of the solid-liquid interface. The initial perturbation near the grain boundary is significantly larger than other perturbations on the interface. The initial shape of the interface and the competition between the thermal direction and preferred crystalline orientations determine the subsequent growth pattern selections. The temporal variations of the curvature radius of cell/ridge tips near the grain boundary have also been studied when the instability occurs. This process is divided into three parts. As the pulling velocity increases, dendrites at the grain boundary grow in two different directions to form a bicrystal microstructure. Side branches on either side of the dendrite exhibit different growth patterns.

Modes of Grain Selection in Spiral Selector during Directional Solidification of Nickel-base Superalloys

The modes of grain selection in spiral selector were investigated by both a ProCAST simulation and experimental confirmation.The results show that the efficiency of grain selection in starter block is associated with the geometry shape.At the early stage of grain selection,the optimization of grain orientation is dominated by competitive grain growth,but the optimization of grain orientation in starter block is gradually dominated by geometry shape at the later stage of grain selection.Besides,the spiral part could also optimize the orientation of the selected single crystal when the initial angle is large enough,and the single crystal selection in spiral parts with different pitch lengths and initial angles is dominated by different modes.The simulation results agree well with experimental ones.

Microstructure, Microsegregation, and Mechanical Properties of Directional Solidified Mg–3.0Nd–1.5Gd Alloy

The microstructure, microsegregation, and mechanical properties of directional solidified Mg–3.0Nd–1.5Gd ternary alloys were experimentally studied. Experimental results showed that the solidification microstructure was composed of dendrite primary a（Mg） phase and interdendritic a（Mg） · Mg12（Nd, Gd） eutectic and Mg5 Gd phase. The primary dendrite arm spacing k1 and secondary dendrite arm spacing k2 were found to be depended on the cooling rate R in the form k1= 8.0415 9 10-6R-0.279 and k2= 6.8883 9 10-6R-0.205, respectively, under the constant temperature gradient of40 K/mm and in the region of cooling rates from 0.4 to 4 K/s. The concentration profiles of Nd and Gd elements calculated by Scheil model were found to be deviated from the ones measured by EPMA to varying degrees, due to ignorance of the back diffusion of the solutes Nd and Gd within a（Mg） matrix. And microsegregation of Gd depended more on the growth rate, compared with Nd microsegregation. The directionally solidified experimental alloy exhibited higher strength than the non-directionally solidified alloy, and the tensile strength of the directionally solidified experimental alloy was improved,while the corresponding elongation decreased with the increase of growth rate.