Some photos from the Qutb complex!

Photographs courtesy: M P Rukmani. More photos and information on the complex is available at this wiki page too!

Directions for future research in solidification and solid-state phase transformations

A quick link to a recent paper accepted for publication in Acta from some of the key players in the solidification area; more on the paper later, after I manage to read it — which might take a while.

Solidification microstructures and solid-state parallels: Recent developments, future directions

M Asta, C Beckermann, A Karma, W Kurz, R Napolitano, M Plapp, G Purdy, M Rappaz and R Trivedi

Abstract:

Rapid advances in atomistic and phase-field modeling techniques as well as new experiments have led to major progress in solidification science during the first years of this century. Here we review the most important findings in this technologically important area that impact our quantitative understanding of: (i) key anisotropic properties of the solid–liquid interface that govern solidification pattern evolution, including the solid–liquid interface free energy and the kinetic coefficient; (ii) dendritic solidification at small and large growth rates, with particular emphasis on orientation selection; (iii) regular and irregular eutectic and peritectic microstructures; (iv) effects of convection on microstructure formation; (v) solidification at a high volume fraction of solid and the related formation of pores and hot cracks; and (vi) solid-state transformations as far as they relate to solidification models and techniques. In light of this progress, critical issues that point to directions for future research in both solidification and solid-state transformations are identified.

Take a look!