2008/09/11 by Mikaël Perrut, Mikael Perrut, Silvère Akamatsu +7
Materials Science · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Pattern Formation and Solitons (nlin.PS) #Solidification and crystal growth phenomena #cond-mat.mtrl-sci #nlin.PS
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0809.1920
arxiv created 2008/09/11 · openalex publication_date 2008/09/11 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
We study the long-time dynamics of hexagonal directional-solidification patterns in bulk samples of a transparent eutectic alloy using an optical method which permits real-time observation of the growth front. A slow dilatation of the patterns due to a slight curvature of the isotherms drives the system into a permanent regime, close to the threshold for the rod splitting instability. Thus an apparently minor instrumental imperfection suffices to maintain the system near a marginal stability point. This answers the long-standing question of spacing selection in bulk eutectic growth.