Abstract
The objective of this research is to visualize the flow of molten alloys using real-time neutron radiography. Initial experiments were performed using solder (50% tin, 50% lead), with nickel tracer particles, heated in a furnace to its liquid state. An experiment was also performed using an aluminum-silicon carbide bar, heated in a furnace to its liquid state. These experiments revealed that neutron radiography can be used to observe the flow of metals in a convective field as they undergo a phase change. To observe the flow of molten metals induced by natural convection, an experiment was attempted using the lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi) eutectic with tracer particles made of the intermetallic compound gold-cadmium (AuCd4). The Pb-Bi material, with the AuCd4 particles, was placed in a brass container (10 cm x 10 cm x I cm). The container was uniformly heated to above the melting temperature of the material. Natural convection was obtained by increasing the temperature at one end of the container while keeping the temperature at the other end constant. Neutron radiography was used to record and observe the particle motion and the flow of the Pb-Bi material due to natural convection.
Bennett, Tami Norene (1994). Flow visualization of molten alloys using real-time neutron radiography. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1994 -THESIS -B472.