Solidification Processing of Metal Alloys under External Fields

Dear Colleagues,

Almost all metal alloys are manufactured via solidification processes, and the mechanical properties of the cast ingots or components, such as the strength, ductility, fatigue life, etc., are predominantly determined by the as-cast grain microstructure formed during the solidification processes. The as-cast grain microstructures also affect, to a certain degree, the grain structures formed during any subsequent thermomechanical deformation and/or heat treatment processes. In the past 30 years or so, many physical field-based methods have been investigated with the aim of developing a generic method for optimizing microstructure that is suitable for all metal alloys regardless of the chemistry. The use of external fields has become widespread in a drive for improved materials or better understanding of fundamental phenomena. Examples include the use of magnetic fields to introduce electromagnetic braking of fluid flow or to interact with inherent electric currents to drive flow in processes ranging from traditional casting to additive manufacturing. Or to use electromagnetic fields to levitate droplets of highly reactive metals to understand and measure key material properties, with comparison to experiments under microgravity conditions.

Thus, we are delighted to extend an invitation to scientists and researchers to contribute to a Special Issue of Crystals, titled “Solidification Processing of Metal Alloys under External Fields”. This Special Issue will explore the intricate relationship between solidification microstructure/structure and external fields, encompassing phenomena such as solidification under the influence of robust gravitational, acoustic, or novel electromagnetic fields. Original research articles, short summaries, communications, and comprehensive reviews are welcomed.

The potential subjects include, but are not limited to:

• Microstructural evolution during solidification under external fields;
• Solidification theory under external fields;
• Ultrasonic melt processing;
• Electromagnetic shaping;
• Magnetic field-assisted material processing;
• Numerical simulation of solidification process.

Dr. Ling Qin
Dr. Yanchun Zhu
Prof. Dr. Jianfei Zhang
Dr. Yang Qin
Prof. Dr. Marek Sroka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• solidification
• external fields
• material properties
• microstructures
• crystals
• numerical simulation
• alloys
• microstructure characterization