Complex Structures: A Symbiosis of Experiments and Numerical Studies

Abstract

Dendrites are the best studied structures formed during solidification of undercooled melt. Additionally other complex structures have been found in experiments and numerical studies. We perform 2D/3D-numerical simulations of solidification processes and experiments which allow in situ investigations of three-dimensional growth of xenon crystals into undercooled pure melt. Dendrites, seaweed, doublons, triplons etc. can be produced in experiments and numerical studies depending on initial conditions. In an interplay of numerical studies and experiments we use simulations to interpret and to plan experiments. Experimental results are used as a basis of model calculations and the development of models of complex shapes. Three-dimensional growth shapes of crystals are reconstructed using sophisticated image processing combined with experimentally determined shape parameters.