The microstructure and composition of the residual liquid at different temperatures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) associated with the Thermo-calc software calculation of the equilibrium phase diagrams of Inconel 718 and segregated liquid. The liquid density difference and Rayleigh number variation dur-ing solidification were estimated as well. It is found that the heavy segregation of Nb in liquid prompts the precipitation of δ and Laves phase directly from liquid and the resultant quenched liquid microstructure consists of pro-eutectic γ+eutectic,or complete eutectic according to the content of Nb from low to high. The liquid density increases with decreasing temperature during the solidi-fication of Inconel 718 and the liquid density difference is positive. The largest relative Rayleigh number occurs at 1320°C when the liquid fraction is about 40vol%.
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