Magnetic field induced band formation and crystal orientation in directionally solidified Cu-20 wt.% Sn peritectic alloys

The influence of a weak transverse magnetic field on the microstructure in directionally solidified Cu-20 wt.% Sn peritectic alloys at low speeds was investigated. Experimental results indicated that the magnetic field caused the evolution of the two-phase microstructure from coupled growth to band. Moreover, it was also found that the magnetic field induced the crystal orientation of the primary phase. The above results may be attributed to the effect of the magnetic field on the mass and heat transfer during directional solidification.