Thermophysical Properties of Undercooled Metallic Glass Forming Liquids

Abstract

Non-contact thermophysical property measurement of liquid metallic alloys is rapidly developing as a response to the increased need of precise thermophysical data for industrial as well as for scientific applications. The paucity of such data is mostly a result of the experimental difficulties arising from the unwanted convection and chemical reactions of liquid metals with containers at high temperatures. An overview will be given of the state of non-contact calorimetry and thermal transport property measurement based on electromagnetic induction and on typical results obtained during several different space flights using containerless processing methods. Furthermore, a perspective on a future measurement program of thermophysical properties supported by the European Space Agency is described. In this regard, the International Space Station is considered as the ideal laboratory for high precision measurements of thermophysical properties of fluids, which will help to improve manufacturing processes for a number of key industries. © 2011, Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. All rights reserved.