A review on solidification of alloys under hypergravity

A comprehensive and integrated review of the hypergravity field applied to solidifying alloys is provided. The hypergravity field refers to an environment in which the acceleration of gravity is more significant than the gravitational acceleration through rotation, resulting in significant changes in the solidification behavior of the alloy. The convection mode of the melt is closely related to the level and direction of hypergravity. Obvious floatation or sedimentation of solutes and crystals of different densities is induced. Columnar-to-equiaxed transition, grain refinement, and gradients in composition and microstructure are readily available under hypergravity. Furthermore, the nucleation and growth of crystals and their migration under enhanced convection are gradually revealed through simulations and in-situ observations. This review aims to summarize the universal law of the effect of the hypergravity field on the composition distribution and microstructure evolution of alloys during solidification. Based on the development of hypergravity equipment and characterization methods, it is expected to broaden the theoretical framework of hypergravity solidification. To provide a theoretical reference for developing new solidification processes and high-performance materials.