Applicability of Minimum Rate of Entropy Production to the Solidification of Lamellar Eutectics

Abstract

The minimum rate of entropy production, during the one-dimensional freezing of a lamellar eutectic at velocity V has been calculated using a well-defined model. This principle is found to be equivalent to the maximum interface temperature principle at small V but not at large V. Since it does not provide the correct relationship between lamellar spacing and freezing velocity over the entire experimental range, there is considerable doubt as to its physical significance when applied to this case.