A 3D-fem model solving thermomechanics and macrosegregation in binary alloys solidification

Abstract : This paper introduces a three-dimensional numerical model for the coupled solution of momentum, energy and solute conservation equations, for binary alloys solidification. The spatial discretisation is carried out using linear tetrahedral finite elements, particularly those of P1+/P1 type for the velocity-pressure resolution of momentum equation. The liquid flow in the mushy zone is assumed to be governed by the Darcy's law. Thermal and buoyancy forces are taken into account by means of the Boussinesq's model. Microsegregation obeys the lever rule. The resulting solute transport equation is solved by the SUPG method. Coupling strategy between momentum, energy and solute equations is discussed and two applications are studied.