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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
A simple model is proposed to analyze the interface stability of the RE123 superconductor in accordance with the constitutional supercooling criterion. As the single crystal growth of the 123 phase is largely dependent on the growth interface stability, a quantitative analysis has been required. From the numerical analysis for the case of peritectically solidified Sm123, it was clarified that the constitutional supercooling must exist in the liquid when the 123 growth interface comes close to a 211 particle. It could also predict that larger 211 particle radius, smaller volume fraction of the 211 particles, larger growth rate, or smaller imposed temperature gradient cause easy occurrence of the constitutional supercooling. The growth rate and a 211 particle radius are determining parameters. Further consideration of the nucleation at the L/211 interface just ahead of the 123 growth front could describe the 123 growth morphological transition from with the planar interface to the equiaxed blocky.