Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The importance of growth kinetics in the development of the microstructure of rapidly solidified alloys is described. Growth kinetics are conveniently divided into diffusion kinetics and interface attachment kinetics. The former, which are used extensively for the analysis of slow rate solidification, can be extended to high solidification rates to predict some microstructural features; e.g., the limitations on eutectic growth rate which can promote the formation of metallic glass, and the reduction of microsegregation. At the highest rates interface attachment kinetics must be included. Some microstructural effects of the velocity dependence of the partition coefficient will be described.