In-situ observed dynamics of peritectic solidification and δ/γ transformation of Fe-3 to 5 At. Pct Ni alloys

The characteristics of liquid -> delta ferrite and delta ferrite -> gamma austenite transformation in Fe-3.50 at. pct Ni alloy, and of the peritectic solidification of Fe-4.83 and 5.01 at. pct Ni alloys, have been dynamically observed in situ with a confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) combined with an infrared image furnace (IIF). The unique sequence, morphologies, and rates of these transformations have been determined at a temperature gradient of 4 K/mm and growth rates of 2 to 3 mu m/s, in unidirectional solidification experiments. These observations have been discussed in terms of the constitutional undercooling description of solidification theory.