Model predictions for the dendrite growth velocity at low undercoolings are deviating significantly from experimental data obtained in electromagnetic levitation with a capacitance proximity sensor (CPS) [K. Eckler, D.M. Herlach, Mater. Sci. Eng. A 178 (1994) 159]. In addition to that, previous data sets obtained by different techniques are not in good agreement with each other. For instance, growth velocity data for nickel melts obtained with a high-speed camera system [D.M. Matson, in: Solidification 1998, TMS, Warrendale PA, 1998 show higher values at low undercoolings than data obtained with the CPS. Within this work new measurements of dendritic growth velocity in levitated undercooled nickel samples were performed as a function of undercooling DT to investigate this discrepancy. Solidification of the undercooled melt was detected at undercooling levels within the range of 30 KoDTo300 K. The new data reveal high accuracy and low scattering. These data are compared with two independent growth velocity data sets and discrepancies are discussed. For verification of the new CPS data dendrite growth velocity was also measured by using a high-speed camera where the morphology of the intersection of the solidification front with the sample surface was investigated. The new experimental data are analyzed within the model of dendrite growth obtained on the basis of Brener's theory [E. Brener, J. Crystal Growth 99 (1990) 165] and the model of dendrite growth with melt convection in a solidifying levitated drop, presently being developed. Special attention is paid to the effects of convection and small amounts of impurities on the growth dynamics at small undercoolings. r

This paper focuses on the effect of fiber orientation and stacking sequence on the progressive mixed mode delamination failure in composite laminates using fracture experiments and finite element (FE) simulations. Every laminate is modelled numerically combining damageable layers with defined fiber orientations and cohesive zone interface elements, subjected to mixed mode bending. The numerical simulations are then calibrated and validated through experiments, conducted following standardized mixed mode delamination tests. The numerical model is able to successfully capture the experimentally observed effects of fiber angle orientations and variable stacking sequences on the global load-displacement response and mixed mode inter-laminar fracture toughness of the various laminates. For better understanding of the failure mechanism, fracture surfaces of laminates with different stacking sequences are also studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

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Kinetics of dendritic solidification and fragmentation of dendritic crystals in undercooled Ni-Zr samples are studied. Using the capacitance proximity sensor technique and a high-speed-camera system, the dendrite growth velocity has been measured as a function of initial undercooling in solidifying droplets processed by the electromagnetic levitation technique. Analyses of solidified droplets give evidence to a transition from coarse grained dendrites to grain refined dendrites (CG-GR) at small undercooling, a transition from grain refined dendrites to coarse grained dendrites (GR-CG) at moderate undercooling, and to a second transition from coarse grained dendrites to grain refined dendrites (CG-GR) at a higher undercooling. Predictions of a sharp-interface model are compared with the results of experiments on Ni-Zr samples.