Hexagonal eutectic solidification patterns operating near a marginal stability point
Pattern Formation and Solitons
2008-09-12 v1 Materials Science
Abstract
We study the long-time dynamics of hexagonal directional-solidification patterns in bulk samples of a transparent eutectic alloy using an optical method which permits real-time observation of the growth front. A slow dilatation of the patterns due to a slight curvature of the isotherms drives the system into a permanent regime, close to the threshold for the rod splitting instability. Thus an apparently minor instrumental imperfection suffices to maintain the system near a marginal stability point. This answers the long-standing question of spacing selection in bulk eutectic growth.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0809.1920,
title = {Hexagonal eutectic solidification patterns operating near a marginal stability point},
author = {Mikael Perrut and Silvère Akamatsu and Sabine Bottin-Rousseau and Gabriel Faivre},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0809.1920},
year = {2008}
}