Anisotropic interface kinetics and tilted cells in unidirectional solidification

Abstract

A nonlinear evolution equation is derived which governs the cellular structure of a binary alloy with a small segregation coefficient, including the effects of anisotropic interface kinetics. This equation, applicable to long-wave instabilities of a planar interface, describes the spatial pattern of the growing disturbances. The presence of anisotropy causes the cells to grow at an angle to the normal of the planar front. This transition to a cellular morphology is shown to be a subcritical instability.