Degeneration of columnar dendrites during directional solidification under a high magnetic field

The effect of a high magnetic field on columnar dendrites during directional solidification has been studied by investigating the growth behavior of Al, Al3Ni and Zn columnar dendrites. Results indicate that the magnetic field caused the degeneration of columnar dendrites. In addition, the thermoelectric magnetic force (TEMF) has been numerically simulated and the result shows that the TEMF is strong enough to deform columnar dendrites under a magnetic field (B > 0.5 T). The TEMF and the magnetization force can cause the degeneration of columnar dendrites.