Abstract
We present an image processing algorithm developed for quantitative analysis of directional solidification of metal alloys in thin cells using x-ray imaging. Our methodology allows to identify the fluid volume, fluid channels and cavities, and to separate them from the solidified structures. It also allows morphological analysis within the solid fraction, including automatic decomposition into dominant grains by orientation and connectivity. In addition, the interplay between solidification and convection can be studied by characterizing convection plumes in the fluid, and solute concentrations above the developing solidification front. The image filters used enable the developed code (open-source) to work reliably even for single images with low signal-to-noise ratio, low contrast-to-noise ratio, and low image resolution. This is demonstrated by applying the code to several dynamic in situ x-ray imaging experiments with a solidifying gallium–indium alloy in a thin cell. Grain (and global) dendrite orientation statistics, convective plume parameterization, etc. can be obtained from the code output. The limitations of the presented approach are also explained.
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Data availability
Both input and output for the image processing code, as well as associated visuals, are available on demand—please contact the corresponding authors.
Code availability
The code is open-source, and is available on GitHub: Mihails-Birjukovs/Meso-scale_Solidification_Analysis.
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Funding
This research is supported by Hemlholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and a DAAD Short-Term Grant (2021, 57552336). The authors acknowledge the project “Development of numerical modeling approaches to study complex multiphysical interactions in electromagnetic liquid metal technologies” (No. 1.1.1.1/18/A/108) wherein some of the utilized image processing methods were developed.
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MB developed and implemented the image processing code, and processed the data used in the paper. NS provided the data (x-ray images) and helped test the code together with MB, SE provided funding. The first version of the manuscript was written by MB. All co-authors (MB, NS and SE) contributed to manuscript editing and review prior to submission.
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Birjukovs, M., Shevchenko, N. & Eckert, S. An image processing pipeline for in situ dynamic x-ray imaging of directional solidification of metal alloys in thin cells. Exp Fluids 64, 131 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-023-03671-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-023-03671-2