Simulation on Casting and Solidification Process of Crystalline Metals and Alloys

Dear Colleague,

This Special Issue brings together cutting-edge research focused on simulating casting and solidification processes in crystalline metals and alloys. As computational modeling continues to evolve, its role in understanding and optimizing metallurgical processes has become increasingly vital. The contributions in this Issue highlight advancements in numerical techniques, including finite element analysis, phase-field modeling, and computational fluid dynamics, to simulate heat transfer, fluid flow, nucleation, and grain growth during solidification.

Through a combination of theoretical development, algorithmic innovation, and validation with experimental data, the manuscripts explore how simulations can predict microstructural evolution, reduce casting defects, and improve the mechanical performance of metallic components. Particular emphasis is placed on multiscale and multiphysics approaches that bridge the gap between process parameters and final material properties. This Issue aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals seeking to leverage simulation tools for more efficient and controlled casting processes in both traditional and advanced alloy systems.

Key topics include the following:

• Numerical modeling of casting processes (e.g., sand casting, die casting, investment casting);
• Simulation of heat transfer and fluid flow (during mold filling and solidification);
• Solidification dynamics and phase transformations (in crystalline metals and alloys);
• Grain structure prediction and microstructure evolution;
• Application of phase-field, cellular automata, and finite element methods;
• Modeling of dendritic growth and grain refinement techniques;
• Multiscale and multiphysics simulation approaches;
• Prediction and control of casting defects (e.g., porosity, hot tears, shrinkage);
• Thermo-mechanical modeling during solidification and cooling;
• Validation of simulations with experimental and industrial data;
• AI and machine learning integration in simulation workflows;
• Simulation of additive manufacturing processes involving solidification.

The Issue publishes experimental, theoretical, and numerical analyses that contribute to the understanding and improvement of casting and solidification processes for alloys.

Dr. Srećko Manasijević
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• casting simulation
• solidification modeling
• crystalline metals and alloys
• microstructure evolution
• grain structure prediction
• thermal and fluid flow analysis
• phase transformation
• numerical methods in metallurgy
• defect prediction in casting