Dendritic Crystal Growth Dynamics

With considerable NASA support, the scientific community has learned much in recent decades about the process of dendritic crystal formation, particularly as an example of steady-state pattern formation. Recently, efforts here and elsewhere have shifted towards the study of the timevarying aspects of the process. This paper will discuss the recent observations of the Transient Dendritic Solidification Experiment (TDSE). Data will be presented on the differences and similarities in the process by which two critical growth parameters, the growth rate and the tip radius of curvature, evolve as they approach steady state. This transient stage in the growth process is integral to many real-world industrial processes, and therefore a better understanding of it will serve as an important element of future industrial process models.