Cooling Curve Analysis Method using a Simplified Energy Balance

In this work is described a new cooling curve analysis method focused on the experimental determination of the latent heat of phase changes and phase transformation kinetics.The method analyses the cooling process of a metallic sample, initially liquid that is contained into a cylindrical metallic mold, both of known weight, thermally isolated at its top and bottom. The method is based on a simplified energy balance associated with the experimental measurement of the temperature change of the sample during its cooling process. The method was applied experimentally to zinc and tin of commercial purity, initially liquids and contained into stainless steel molds in order to determine its ability to determine the latent heat of solidification. In order to validate the method, the obtained values of latent heat were compared with the values reported in thermochemical databases. The obtained results suggest that this method can be used to characterize the solidification of metals..Keywords: Solidification, Kinetics; Cooling curve analysis

Efecto de la Corriente y Longitud de Arco en Soldaduras con Arco Eléctrico Asistido por Modelado Matemático

A 2D mathematical model was developed for the GTAW arc welding process (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). Computational simulations were performed by using the commercial software PHOENICS based on mass and momentum conservation equations as well as on Maxwell equations. The model predicts the electric characteristics of the arc column, flow patterns, temperature profiles, heat flux, total heat flow and the electrical potential, by varying the arc length and the applied current. By increasing the current the arc jet is stronger, hotter and provides more heat to the weld pool, while by increasing the arc length the maximum temperature, maximum velocity and heat flow are unchanged, although a short arc focuses the heat in a small area and a long arc spreads the heat in a wider area of the work piece.Keywords: Electric arc, heat transfer, fluid flow, mathematical modeling.

Electric arc length-voltage and conductivity characteristics in a pilot-scale AC electric arc furnace

Abstract The heat transfer processes and the molten metal bath kinetics of the electric arc furnace are governed by the changes in the arc length and voltage. Thus, information on the electric arc behavior with respect to the voltage is important for accurate computation of the furnace processes and adjustment of the industrial furnace parameters. In this work, the length-voltage characteristics of electric arcs have been studied in a pilot-scale AC electric arc furnace with image analysis, electrical data from the furnace, and slag composition. The arc length was determined with image analysis and the relation between the arc length and voltage from test data. The relation between arc length and voltage was found to be non-linear and dependent on the slag composition. The voltage gradients of the arcs were evaluated as a function of arc length and sum of anode and cathode voltage drops resulting in a reciprocal relation. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the arc plasma with respect to arc length was estimated