Containerless solidification of acoustically levitated Ni–Sn eutectic alloy

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 109; no. 1; pp. 239 - 244
• Main Authors: Geng, D. L., Xie, W. J., Wei, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.10.2012; Springer
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed Matter Physics; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Equations of state, phase equilibria, and phase transitions; Exact sciences and technology; Machines; Manufacturing; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Solid-liquid transitions; Specific phase transitions; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Image Brightness; Ni3Sn; Solidification Microstructure; High Speed Camera; Eutectic Growth; Binary alloys; Tin alloys; Acoustic levitation; Nickel alloys; Rapid solidification; Eutectic alloys; Microstructure; High-speed optical techniques
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-012-7041-0

Containerless solidification of Ni–18.7at%Sn eutectic alloy has been achieved with a single-axis acoustic levitator. The temperature, motion, and oscillation of the sample were monitored by a high speed camera. The temperature of the sample can be determined from its image brightness, although the sample moves vertically and horizontally during levitation. The experimentally observed frequency of vertical motion is in good agreement with theoretical prediction. The sample undergoes shape oscillation before solidification finishes. The solidification microstructure of this alloy consists of a mixture of anomalous eutectic plus regular lamellar eutectic. This indicates the achievement of rapid solidification under acoustic levitation condition.