Undercooling of materials during solidification in space

Abstract

The theoretical and actual effect of undercooling on molten materials below the equilibrium solid us temperature was studied. Materials in the categories of pure metals, alloys, and compounds were examined: their commercial and scientific value and past experience in their undercooling were considered. The material properties influencing undercooling behavior are reviewed, specified, and categorized. The effects of gravity and its absence are investigated. It is shown that presence of heterogeneous nucleating agents is the main obstacle to achieving a large degree of undercooling.