Electronic edition ISSN 1574-0579

Crucible considerations in induction furnace degassing

J. C. Petrykowski

Vibration Heat Flow and Analysis LLP, Dayton, Ohio, USA 45459

Abstract
In a number of advanced materials processing applications, including float zone refining of electronic materials, forming of metallic glasses and induction melting of light alloys, oscillatory and non-oscillatory electromagnetic forces associated with the processing application are found to enhance surface shape, nucleation of precipitates, evolution of crystal nucleation sites, segregation of alloy components, grain refinement and degassing [1]--[3]. For cases where the material being processed is containerized and where the time dependence is oscillatory, these forces give rise to acoustic waves which carry energy to the boundaries of the containerized volume leading to a reduction in process efficacy should the container not present the proper acoustic impedance. This paper considers acoustic energy exchange between the molten alloy and the crucible of an induction furnace and the attendant impact on degassing. Tables 1, Figs 4, Refs 11.