Abstract
In this paper, an introduction of the finite element approach to microstructure based modelling is provided, and the primary and secondary dendrite arm spacings of A356 alloy in the solidification process are simulated. The simulated results of dendrite morphology and the experimental measurements are presented and compared with the investigations of other researchers, which confirmed the accuracy of this model in its ability to predict the dendrite arm spacing. Each of the length scales, including silicon rod diameter and spacing, is discussed in detail. Analytical equations are generated for the length scales and incorporated in the Sharif University Technology academic software for the prediction of the microstructure in shape castings.
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