Quantitative Measurement of Interaction between Solidification and Convection in Ammonium-Chloride Solutions

An experimental investigation of double-diffusive convection with simultaneous crystallisation in ammonium-chloride solutions will be presented. Measurements were performed in a transparent Hele-Shaw with controlled thermal boundary conditions. The flow field of the liquid was measured by PIV. Using thermochromic liquid crystals, the temperature field inside the fluid was established. PTV was used to determine the size-evolution and the trajectories of the salt crystals. Alternating lighting methods and digital image filtering allow for simultaneous operation of PIV, PTV and temperature field measurement. This enables a quantitative study of the interplay of convection regimes and solidification processes like columnar and equiaxed crystallization, chimney-formation and remelting.