Abstract: Apparatus for producing a semi-solid metal alloy from a molten charge includes vertically aligned treatment zones which are provided by vertically aligned passages defined by a plurality of spirally wound flow pipes which are interspersed between spirally wound induction coils. A container is mounted on a charging arrangement which displaces a first charge upwardly into the first treatment zone. Successive charges are introduced in a similar fashion thereby urging the previously introduced charge upwardly along the train of zones and until the leading charge is ejected from the top of the apparatus. The charge in each zone is subjected to controlled cooling and an induced electromagnetic field. The strength of the field and the rate of cooling are controlled to impede dendritic crystallisation and to promote globular primary crystal formation.

Abstract: A blade row for a rotary machine includes a radially inner endwall, a radially outer endwall having a radially inner surface, and an airfoil including a root section coupled to the inner endwall and a tip section coupled to the outer endwall such that the airfoil extends radially between the inner and outer endwalls. The radially outer endwall includes a projection extending radially inward from the outer endwall inner surface such that the outer endwall inner surface includes a non-axisymmetric shape.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a semi-solid metal alloy from a molten charge includes vertically aligned treatment zones which are provided by vertically aligned passages defined by a plurality of spirally wound flow pipes which are interspersed between spirally wound induction coils. A container is mounted on a charging arrangement which displaces a first charge upwardly into the first treatment zone. Successive charges are introduced in a similar fashion thereby urging the previously introduced charge upwardly along the train of zones and until the leading charge is ejected from the top of the apparatus. The charge in each zone is subjected to controlled cooling and an induced electromagnetic field. The strength of the field and the rate of cooling are controlled to impede dendritic crystallisation and to promote globular primary crystal formation.

Abstract: A rheo-casting container for containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy includes an elongate body defining a side wall of the container, a mouth at a first end of the body, an opening at a second end of the body, and a closure member to close the opening. The closure member is configured to be displaceable along an interior volume of the body from the second end towards the first end to display a charge of semi-solid metal alloy contained in the container. The closure member is of a metal alloy the same as or similar to the semi-solid metal alloy for which the container is to be used and has a melting point which is not less than the temperature at which the metal alloy is to be introduced into the container.