Solidification furnace for <i>in situ</i> observation of bulk transparent systems and image analysis methods

This paper aims to describe the experimental framework of Directional Solidification Insert, installed onboard International Space Station, dedicated in situ and real-time characterization dynamic selection solid–liquid interface morphology bulk samples transparent materials under diffusive growth conditions. The observation is an invaluable tool for gaining knowledge on time evolution pattern because initial morphological instability evolves nonlinearly undergoes a reorganization process. result each experiment, characterized by sample concentration, thermal gradient, pulling rate, large number images. interpretation these images necessitates robust identification cell/dendrite’s position size during entire solidification. Several image analysis methods have been developed reliably achieve this goal despite varying contrast noise levels are described detail. Typical solidification experiments presented, dynamics formation analyzed illustrate application methods.