This book explores the application of external physical fields to the solidification processing of metallic alloys. Leading academics from around the world present comprehensive and critical reviews on state-of-the-art research and discuss possible future directions. Major physical fields, including electromagnetic, electric, acoustic, and thermal, are considered. In addition, the most advanced synchrotron X-ray based real-time and in-situ studies and numerical modeling methodologies are reviewed and discussed, with a special emphasis on their applications to the solidification processes. Throughout, all chapters are illustrated with both historical and very recent research cases, including typical examples of in-situ studies, modeling, and simulation. This book contains essential knowledge and information suitable for a wide audience, from undergraduate and postgraduate students to academics, practicing researchers, and engineers in materials, metallurgy, and manufacturing.

• Presents state-of-the-art research in an important and fast-growing field
• Covers fundamental theory, real-time characterization, modeling, and applications
• Features a combination of original results and systematic review of published literature by the leading researchers in the world
• Represents a comprehensive reference for researchers and engineers working in materials processing

Inhalt
Preface
Chapter 1. Basics of solidification and casting of metallic alloys (resp. D. Eskin)1.1. Grain nucleation and growth1.2. Effects of convection1.3. External fields and their effects on solidification1.4. Overview of melt processing and casting technologies
Chapter 2. In-situ studies of the dynamics of solidification processes (resp. J. Mi + R. Mathiesen)2.1 A brief history of in-situ studies of solidification processes2.2 X-ray imaging and diffraction studies of grain nucleation and phase transformation2.3 X-ray tomography studies of 3-D microstructure evolution during solidification2.4 An overview of advanced numerical modelling and simulation techniques.
Chapter 3. Magnetohydrodynamics and modelling (resp. K. Pericleous + co-authors (Dubodelov, Bojarevics, Ludwig))3.1 Physical principles of magnetohydrodynamics of liquid metals3.2 Mass and heat transfer in bulk liquid3.3 Effects of forced convection on melt mixing3.4 Effects of forced convection on solidification3.5 Technologies based on MHD
Chapter 4. Electromagnetic stirring and low-frequency vibration (resp. Y. Zuo + co-authors (Cui)4.2 Effects of electromagnetic stirring on heat/mass transfer and solidification structures4.3 Effects of low-frequency vibration on heat/mass transfer and solidification structures4.4 Casting technologies based on electromagnetic stirring and low-frequency vibration
Chapter 5. High-frequency vibration and ultrasonic processing (resp. D. Eskin + co-authors)5.1 Physical principles of high-frequency processing of liquid and solidifying metals5.2 Effects of high-frequency vibration on liquid metals5.3 Effects of high frequency vibration on solidifying metals5.4 Casting technologies based on high-frequency vibration and acoustic cavitation
Chapter 6. High magnetic fields (resp. Y. Fautrelle + co-authors)6.1. Physical principles of high magnetic field processing of liquid and solidifying metals6.2. Effects of high magnetic fields on structure and properties of solidifying metals6.3 Casting technologies based on high magnetic fields.
Chapter 7. Pulsed external fields and modelling (resp. J. Mi + co-authors)7.1. Pulsed electric current processing of liquid and solidifying metals7.2. Pulsed magnetic field processing of liquid and solidifying metals7.3 Modelling of pulsed electric current and pulsed magnetic fields7.4. Casting technologies with pulsed electric current and magnetic fieldChapter 8. Thermal melt processing s (resp. D. Eskin + M. Calvo + co-authors)8.1. Physical principles of high-temperature melt processing8.2. Effects of high-temperature melt processing on liquid phase constitution8.3. Effects of high-temperature processing on nucleation during solidification8.4. Effects of high-temperature melt processing on cast microstructure and properties