ABSTRACT
Solidification models have become very advanced in recent years as software developers have added fluid flow capabilities, stress analysis, and microstructural modeling. Unfortunately, the basic thermophysical and related property database required for simulating the freezing of complex industrial alloys is almost nonexistent. Recently Auburn University and Purdue University have formed a teaming relationship to establish reliable measurement techniques for the most critical properties: transformation temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat, latent heat, solid fraction evolution, surface tension, and viscosity. Some of the properties in the mushy zone depend critically upon the cooling rate of the casting and thus must be known for representative cooling rates. This paper reviews the application of the various property measurement techniques to molten materials and gives representative data.
