Phase-field Modeling of Eutectic Solidification: From Oscillations to Invasion

We develop a phase-field model of eutectic growth that uses three phase fields, admits strictly binary interfaces as stable solutions, and has a smooth free energy functional. We use this model to simulate oscillatory limit cycles in two-dimensional lamellar growth, and find a continuous evolution from low-amplitude oscillations to successive invasions of one solid phase by the other when the lamellar spacing is varied.