초록 ▼

A method for directional solidification (DS) of a molten material, and an apparatus therefor. The method generally entails the use of a container having a base and peripheral wall that define an interior of the container, an induction coil for heating the contents of the container and generating an

A method for directional solidification (DS) of a molten material, and an apparatus therefor. The method generally entails the use of a container having a base and peripheral wall that define an interior of the container, an induction coil for heating the contents of the container and generating an electromagnetic field, and means for controllably separating the container from the heating means and the electromagnetic field, such as by withdrawing the container from the heating means and electromagnetic field. Using such an apparatus, a material is heated within the container to yield a melt that is substantially prevented from contacting the wall of the container as a result of being at least partially levitated by the electromagnetic field. The container is then separated, e.g., withdrawn from the heating means and the electromagnetic field so as to cause directional solidification of the melt while the majority of the melt remains spaced apart from the wall of the container, yielding a directionally solidified article whose composition has not been significantly affected by reactions with the container. The invention is particularly directed to the production of DS ingots of high temperature materials containing one or more reactive elements.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for directionally solidifying a reactive, refractory molten material to form a directionally-solidified, reactive, refractory composite material, the method comprising the steps of:melting a reactive, refractory material within a vertical, multiple-segment, cold-

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for directionally solidifying a reactive, refractory molten material to form a directionally-solidified, reactive, refractory composite material, the method comprising the steps of:melting a reactive, refractory material within a vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible to yield a melt;at least partially levitating the melt by applying an electromagnetic field to at least partially levitate the melt within the vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible;solidifying the material;remelting the solidified material, where the step of remelting the solidified material homogenizes the material; andseparating the vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible from the electromagnetic field so as to cause directional solidification of the melt in the vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible and thereby form a directionally solidified article, where the article comprises a reactive, refractory composite material.