Electromagnetic Levitation Part II: Thermophysical Property Measurements in Terrestrial Conditions

Abstract

Undercooling is a natural extension in a levitation environment due to the elimination of container induced nucleation giving access to a metastable region of the phase diagram. It is important to solidification processes, and therefore, the knowledge of thermophysical properties in this region is crucial. The degree of undercooling determines the growth velocity, and is essential in selecting the metastable solid phase. The use of hydrogen gas reduces and removes heterogeneous nucleation catalysts (oxide and sulfide inclusions), and facilitates undercooling.