Unidirectional solidification of binary melts from a cooled boundary: analytical solutions of a nonlinear diffusion-limited problem

A model is presented that describes nonstationary solidification of binary melts or solutions from a cooled boundary maintained at a time-dependent temperature. Heat and mass transfer processes are described on the basis of the principles of a mushy layer, which divides pure solid material and a liquid phase. Nonlinear equations characterizing the dynamics of the phase transition boundaries are deduced. Approximate analytical solutions of the model under consideration are constructed. A method for controlling the external temperature at a cooled wall in order to obtain a required solidification velocity is discussed.