Abstract: Electromagnetic stirring device in a mould for casting aluminium or aluminium alloys, wherein the electromagnetic stirring device has a winding core of conductive coils intended for the circulation of a current generating an electromagnetic field of stirring of the molten metal inside the mould. A mould, casting machine and casting plant provided with such an electromagnetic stirring device are also provided. A stirring method in a mould for casting aluminium or aluminium alloys is disclosed, including a phase of supply of phase-shifted currents on an electromagnetic stirring device in a mould.

Abstract: An inertial actuation magnetohydrodynamic wheel (2) comprising a torus-shaped fluid ring (3) filled with a conductive liquid, at least one effective area (24, 26, 28) for setting the liquid into motion, and at least one magnetohydrodynamic pump (4, 6, 8). The ratio of the set back distance of any magnetic conduction element (24, 26, 28) of the air gap of any electromagnetic pump (4, 6, 8) over the internal size of the fluid ring (3) is greater than or equal to 0.5 and the fluid ring (3) comprises at least two distinct effective areas (24, 26), for setting the conductive liquid into motion, angularly spaced apart by at least 120°.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for the electromagnetic stirring of electrically conductive fluids in the liquid state and/or in the state of onsetting solidification of the fluid, using a rotating magnetic field that is produced in the horizontal plane of a Lorentz force. The aim is to achieve an intensive three-dimensional flow on the inside of the fluid for mixing in the liquid state up to the direct vicinity of solidifying fronts, and to simultaneously ensure an undisturbed, free surface of the fluid. The solution is to change the direction of rotation of the magnetic field rotating in the horizontal plane at regular time intervals in the form of a period duration, wherein the frequency of the directional change of movement of the magnetic field vector is adjusted such that in the state of mixing the liquid fluid a period duration is adjusted between two directional changes of the magnetic field during a time interval as a function of the adjustment time with the condition (I) 0.5·ti.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing high-purity aluminum by directional solidification, comprising the steps of: providing 4N to 5N aluminum as raw material, heating the same to a temperature of 670° C. to 730° C., maintaining the temperature for 7 minutes to 80 minutes, cooling the bottom of chamber (3) to allow the aluminum liquid crystallizing in a direction from the bottom to top of the chamber (3) for 1 hour to 8 hours to obtain a crystalline ingot, during the crystallization process of a finished product of crystalline ingot, stifling and heating the aluminum liquid, maintaining a particular temperature gradient of the aluminum liquid, and removing a portion of the crystalline ingot from one end of the ingot, the remaining portion being the high-purity aluminum. Also provided is a smelting furnace, comprising a shell (1), a heating device (2), a chamber (3), a temperature measurement device, a stirring device and a cooling device (6).

Abstract: A low-carbon resulfurized free-machining steel is excellent in machinability and contains 0.02% to 0.15% by mass of C; 0.004% by mass or less (exclusive of 0%) of Si; 0.6% to 3% by mass of Mn; 0.02% to 0.2% by mass of P; 0.35% to 1% by mass of S; 0.005% by mass or less (exclusive of 0% by mass) of Al; 0.008% to 0.03% by mass of 0; and 0.007% to 0.03% by mass of N, with the remainder being iron and inevitable impurities, in which the ratio [Mn]/[S] of the manganese content [Mn] to the sulfur content [S] is within the range of 3 to 4, and the carbon content [C], the manganese content [Mn] and the nitrogen content [N] satisfy the following Expression (1): 10[C]×[Mn]?0.94+1226 [N]2?1.2, wherein [C], [Mn] and [N] represent the contents on the percent by mass basis of carbon, manganese, and nitrogen, respectively.

Abstract: In a high-tensile steel plate according to the invention, the carbon equivalent Pcm represented in Expression (1) is from 0.180% to 0.220%, the surface hardness is a Vicker's hardness of 285 or less, the ratio of a Martensite Austenite constituent in the surface layer is not more than 10%, the ratio of a mixed structure of ferrite and bainite inside beyond the surface layer is not less than 90%, the ratio of the bainite in the mixed structure is not less than 10%, the thickness of the lath of bainite is not more than 1 ?m, the length of the lath is not more than 20 ?m, and the segregation ratio as the ratio of the Mn concentration in the center segregation part relative to the Mn concentration at a part in a depth equal to ¼ of the thickness of the plate from the surface is not more than 1.3. Pcm=C+Si/30+(Mn+Cu+Cr)/20+Ni/60+Mo/15+V/10+5B . . . (1) where the element symbols in Expression (1) represent the % by mass of the respective elements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing an aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon (Al—Zr—Ti—C) intermediate alloy; the Al—Zr—Ti—C intermediate alloy comprises 0.01% to 10% Zr, 0.01% to 10% Ti, 0.01% to 0.3% C, and Al in balance; the producing method comprising the steps of: preparing commercially pure aluminum, zirconium, titanium, and graphite material according to the weight percentages of the aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon intermediate alloy; the graphite powder is subjected to the following treatments: being added to the aqueous solution of KF, NaF, K2ZrF6, K2TiF6 or the combination thereof, soaked for 12 to 72 hours, filtrated or centrifuged, and dried at 80° C. to 200° C. for 12 to 24 hours; melting the commercially pure aluminum and keeping it at 700° C. to 900° C. to provide aluminum liquid, in which the prepared zirconium, the titanium and the treated graphite powder are added and melted to provide an alloy solution; and keeping the alloys solution at 700° C. to 900° C.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the continuous casting of preliminary steel sections, the liquid or molten steel is introduced substantially vertically into an open-ended die. The cross section of the cavity of the die is made up of a web part and one or more flange parts, for example, such as in preliminary double-T sections. The liquid core of the strand of the preliminary section is set in agitating motions transversely to the direction of continuous casting by selectively using electromagnetically-induced forces in the regions of the flange parts and/or of the web part. The agitating motions have the effect of exchanging the liquid steel in the molten crater of the strand of the preliminary section in and between flange parts and the web part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low carbon steel sheet and a low carbon steel slab on which formation of surface defects can be surely prevented by preventing aggregation of inclusions in the molten steel and finely dispersing inclusions in the steel sheet or slab, and a process for producing the steel sheet and slab. The present invention provides a process comprising the steps of decarburizing a molten steel so as to produce a carbon concentration of up to 0.01% by mass, pre-deoxidizing the molten steel by adding Al thereto so as to produce a dissolved oxygen concentration from 0.01 to 0.04% by mass, adding thereto Ti and at least La and/or Ce, and casting the molten steel, and a steel sheet and a steel slab obtained by the process.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing metal matrix composite material by melt reaction in coupling magnetic field and ultrasonic field comprises: adjusting metal-base melt to the onset reaction temperature after refining, then adding reactants which generate reinforced particles by in-situ synthesis reaction with melt, keeping the reacted melt stand until it is cooled to casting temperature after the reaction, and then casting. Magnetic field and high-energy ultrasonic field are exerted simultaneously during the reaction. The magnetic field can be high-power pulse magnetic filed, high-frequency oscillating magnetic field or low-frequency alternating magnetic field. The metal matrix composite material produced by the above-mentioned method exhibits that reinforced particles are much finer, more uniformly distributed, and fit with metal matrix better.

Abstract: The present invention provides a previously unattainable compact and high thrust electromagnetic stirrer coil, that is, an electromagnetic stirrer coil for stirring molten steel in a mold by electromagnetic force, in which electromagnetic stirrer coil a space factor of the yoke sectional area (-) with respect to an inside area in a vertical cross-section of said electromagnetic stirrer coil is 0.5 to 0.9 and a yoke width B is 100 mm to 300 mm. Preferably, a magnetomotive force F of said electromagnetic stirrer coil divided by the yoke width B, that is, a value of F/B, is 800 kAT/m or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an axle forged from seamless tubes, with a chemical composition suitable to guarantee high fatigue strength, improved yield strength and tensile strength, and having reduced weight for use on railroad vehicles. The present invention further relates to a process of manufacturing the axle forged from seamless steel tube with high fatigue strength, improved yield strength and tensile strength, and having reduced weight for use on railroad vehicles, which is produced from pig iron or scrap, casting, reheating furnace, perforation of billets, elongation of perforated billets, hollow finishing, forging and finish machining, which includes a supporting and centering chamfer at the inner edge of the inspection bore of the end and smooth recess in the entrance of the threaded bores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of equalizing a solidification process of molten metal produced, in particular, during strand or strip casting, wherein the molten metal (10) is subjected, in particular, to an electromagnetic stirring process, and wherein a magnetic field is applied to metal located upstream of the area of, in particular, the electromagnetic stirring process. According to the invention, it is provided that during the solidification process, at least one magnetic field is applied to an already solidified, at the outside, into a strand, region (11) of the molten metal (10). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this process.

Abstract: An apparatus 2 and method for mixing, agitating and transporting a slurry of molten or semi-solid metal or metal-matrix composite material including a casing 1 for containment of the slurry. An electrical conductor means 10 applies to the slurry a moving magnetic field to induce flow thereof. A component 7,8 is secured and located within the casing to modify the flow pattern of the slurry induced by the moving magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the electromagnetic stirring of electrically conductive fluids by using a magnetic field RMF rotating in the horizontal plane, and a magnetic field WMF traveling in a vertical direction thereto. The object consists in avoiding asymmetric flow structures in containers filled with melts, in particular at the beginning and during the course of the solidification. Moreover, the aim is to achieve an effective mixing of the fluid and/or a controlled solidification of metallic alloys by avoiding the formation of separation zones in the solidification structure. The solution consists in the fact that both the rotating magnetic field RMF and the traveling magnetic field WMF are switched on discontinuously in the form of temporally restricted and adjustable periods and alternately in time one after another via associated induction coils.

Abstract: A method of producing an extremely low carbon steel cast slab characterized by casting molten steel obtained by reducing the carbon concentration of the molten steel to 0.005 mass % or less, then adding Cu, Nb, and B to the molten steel, furthermore, and adjusting the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the molten steel to 0.01 mass % to 0.06 mass % and extremely low carbon steel plate comprised of steel containing C: 0.005 mass % or less, acid soluble Al: 0.005 mass % or less, and further Cu, Nb, and B, characterized in that the steel has fine oxides of a diameter of 0.5 ?m to 30 ?m dispersed in it in an amount of 1000 particles/cm2 to 1,000,000 particles/cm2.

Abstract: A casting method and apparatus are provided capable of producing high-quality castings having extremely few defects attributable to entrainment of gas, oxide film and the like both economically and while conserving energy. Namely, a sealing plate having a seal, an opening and a pressure reduction vent is arranged between a gate of a die cavity and a feeding tube, and the die cavity is depressurized by sealing the gate. Next, the inside of the feeding tube is depressurized through the pressure reduction vent provided in the lower surface of the sealing plate to suck a molten metal, the opening of the sealing plate is moved to between the gate and the feeding tube when the molten metal has entered the pressure reduction vent, and the molten metal is filled into the die cavity due to the pressure difference between the die cavity and the molten metal in the feeding tube. A consumable seal made of a material similar to the molten metal can also be used for the gate seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electromagnetic stirring of molten metals at an advanced stage of solidification, as may be used in continuous casting of steel billets and blooms, are disclosed. At least first and second stirrers are provided for generating first and second rotating magnetic fields of a differing frequency about an axis of solidifying molten metal. The stirrers are arranged about the molten metal in sufficiently close proximity to each other so that their respective magnetic fields superpose to produce a modulated magnetic field. The magnetic fields of the respective stirrers may either have common or opposing rotational directions. The modulated stirring produced by the magnetic fields results in oscillating primary and secondary flows and hence turbulence within the melt bulk in the region wherein temperature of the melt on its central axis is below the liquidus level and at least 10% of substantially solidified material is formed.

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: 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 die-casting method and a device for use in the die-casting method are disclosed. The casting material, which can be liquid metal, semi-solid metal or metal-matrix composite, in the shot chamber of a die-casting machine is driven to flow with high shear rate to mix homogeneously by the electromotive force induced with at least one low-frequency shifting electromagnetic field. The temperature and the microstructure of the casting material near the shot chamber are further controlled and perturbed by at least one high-frequency electromagnetic field to minimize the temperature difference or the growth of dendritic microstructure. To ensure the efficiency of the electromagnetic fields, the shot chamber is made of non-magnetic material and its wall thickness is less than three times the penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields. The shot chamber is surrounded by at least one solenoid coil, a conducting shield and at least one electric motor stator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing a metal or metal-alloy product for a casting process—wherein the product is brought into a partly solidified (semi-solidified) state before casting—in which the product contains crystallization nuclei uniformly distributed throughout its volume. The method involves introducing an amount of a chosen alloy (in pulverized form) and an amount of a chosen melt, which is at a temperature above the liquefaction temperature of the alloy, into a crystallization vessel, which is heated to below the liquefaction temperature of the alloy, and mixing the melt and the alloy together in the crystallization vessel by means of electrical and/or magnetic forces to create the desired product.

Abstract: A method of producing on-demand, semi-solid material for a casting process includes the steps of first heating a metal alloy until it reaches a molten state and maintaining that molten state within a desired temperature range. The next step is to ladle out a portion of the molten alloy and transfer it into a processing vessel. In one arrangement the vessel is configured with its own cooling arrangement so as to begin the solidification process for the molten alloy. In another embodiment, a thermal jacket is used to facilitate the cooling of the vessel and accordingly the cooling of the molten alloy. The next step is to apply an electromagnetic field to the molten alloy in order to create a stirring action which results in a desired flow pattern of the molten alloy within the vessel. The electromagnetic stirring begins as soon as the molten alloy is placed in the vessel and continues while the cooling continues in order to create a slurry billet of the desired metallurgical composition.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing a high-quality semi-solid metallic slurry containing fine, uniform spherical particles that can be readily and conveniently applied to a subsequent process, with improvements in energy efficiency and mechanical properties, cost reduction, convenience of casting, shorter manufacturing time, and easy discharge. The apparatus includes at least one sleeve for receiving molten metals in liquid state; a stirring unit for applying an electromagnetic field to the molten metals in the sleeve; at least one plunger for defining the bottom of a space where the molten metals are loaded, the plunger being inserted into an end of the sleeve; and a driving unit for driving the plunger upward and downward.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for continuously manufacturing a plurality of high-quality billets containing fine, uniform spherical particles, with improvements in energy efficiency and mechanical properties, cost reduction, convenience of casting, and shorter manufacturing time.

Abstract: A die-casting method and a device for use in the die-casting method are disclosed. The casting material, which can be liquid metal, semi-solid metal or metal-matrix composite, in the shot chamber of a die-casting machine is driven to flow with high shear rate to mix homogeneously by the electromotive force induced with at least one low-frequency shifting electromagnetic field. The temperature and the microstructure of the casting material near the shot chamber are further controlled and perturbed by at least one high-frequency electromagnetic field to minimize the temperature difference or the growth of dendritic microstructure. To ensure the efficiency of the electromagnetic fields, the shot chamber is made of non-magnetic material and its wall thickness is less than three times the penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields. The shot chamber is surrounded by at least one solenoid coil, a conducting shield and at least one electric motor stator.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic material for rheocasting or thixoforming and a metallic material formed using the method are provided. The method includes: applying an electromagnetic field to a vessel and loading a molten metal into the vessel; and cooling the molten metal to form a metallic material for rheocasting or thixoforming. The entire volume of molten metal is rapidly and uniformly cooled throughout, from the wall toward the center of the vessel, without generating latent heat caused by the formation of solidification layers at the early stage of cooling. The molten metal in the vessel is cooled rapidly below its liquidus temperature within 1-10 seconds after the loading of the molten metal into the vessel, so that numerous uniform crystal nuclei are created throughout the entire volume of molten metal to form a metallic material having uniform, micro, spherical particles.

Abstract: Provided are a die casting method and apparatus for rheocasting that ensure the manufacture of products with a fine, uniform, spherical particle structure, with improvements in energy efficiency and mechanical properties, cost reduction, convenience of casting, and shorter manufacturing time. The die casting method involves applying an electromagnetic field to a slurry manufacturing domain in a sleeve having an end through which a plunger is inserted and the other end connected to a casting die with a mold cavity, loading a molten metal into the slurry manufacturing domain to manufacture a semi-solid metallic slurry, and moving the plunger toward the casting die to push the metallic slurry into the mold cavity.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for continuously manufacturing quality billets for thixocasting that have a fine, uniform, spherical particle structure, in a short time, with improvements in energy efficiency and mechanical properties, cost reduction, convenience of casting, and shorter manufacturing time. The method involves applying an electric field to a domain of a sleeve defined by first and second plungers inserted through each end of the sleeve and loading a molten metal into the domain of the sleeve to form a semi-solid metallic slurry, moving the first plunger toward the second plunger to compress the semi-solid metallic slurry and form a billet via cooling, and shifting the billet toward the second plunger to discharge the billet from the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a high-quality semi-solid metallic slurry containing fine, uniform spherical particles that can be readily and conveniently applied to a subsequent process, with improvements in energy efficiency and mechanical properties, cost reduction, convenience of casting, and shorter manufacturing time. The semi-solid metallic slurry manufacturing method includes applying an electromagnetic field to a space containing a slurry vessel, loading a molten metal into the slurry vessel in a state where the electromagnetic field is applied to the space, and drawing the slurry vessel out from the space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crucible induction furnace for producing cast parts consisting of aluminum and magnesium alloys, especially particle-reinforced alloys. According to the invention, the material being melted is directly, inductively heated and stirred in an electrically non-conductive, refractory lining or crucible.

Abstract: In the case of a process for the production of homogeneous mixtures of alloys, in particular of intermetallic phases of at least two alloy components, by the melting of raw materials in an inductively heated cold wall furnace the following processing steps are applied:

Abstract: The invention relates to a diecasting method used to produce cast parts from a semi-solidified alloy melt. According to the inventive method, the alloy melt is transformed to a semi-solidified state by stimulating the crystallization process, it is then introduced into a casting chamber and the cast pieces are produced by applying pressure. First an exogenous metal suspension is produced outside the casting chamber in a closed-off space that functionally communicates with the casting chamber and forms a casting unit therewith. The metal suspension is set into motion before it is introduced into the casting chamber, thereby forming a hollow rotating body that is maintained rotating until the suspension homogeneity for the casting reached. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. The device comprises a vertical casting chamber with a plunger and a treatment container disposed outside the casting chamber.

Abstract: A continuous casting method, and a device for use in the casting method, are disclosed. The flow state of the discharged molten metal is properly controlled, and thus, the amounts of residual non-metallic inclusions and gas bubbles within the molten metal are decreased, so that continuously cast slabs of a good quality can be produced. The continuous casting device includes a mould with a submerged nozzle installed therein, the submerged nozzle having a pair of discharge holes directed toward narrow faces of the mould. Further, an electromagnetic brake ruler is included for establishing a magnetic field within the mould. The electromagnetic brake ruler includes a base frame surrounding the mould, and iron cores projecting from near the wide faces of the mould, while the iron cores are wound with induction coils.

Abstract: A casting process for producing a metal matrix composite comprising a first phase or a matrix of a metal or metal alloy and a second phase of particles dispersed in the matrix, comprising the steps of: preparing a melt of the metal or metal alloy in a vessel; feeding the particles to the melt; applying ultrasonic vibration to the melt while electromagnetically stirring the melt; and then causing solidification of the melt. The process preferably further comprises the step of applying ultrasonic vibration to the melt while electromagnetically stirring the melt during the solidification of the melt.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy containing at least one alloying metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, cadmium, indium and lead in a quantity greater than the maximum solubility of the metal in solid aluminum. More than 80% by weight of the alloying metals are finely dispersed in a solid aluminum matrix in the form of globules or crystals with a size of less than 5 micrometers. The alloy can be obtained by means of mechanical or electromagnetic agitation of the alloy in the course of solidifying, and in the case of continuously casting a liquid alloy, the agitation can be accomplished by means of an alternating magnetic field which is coaxial to the continuous casting axis.

Abstract: A semi-solidified metal composition having an excellent workability is continuously produced by pouring molten metal into an upper part of a cooling agitation mold, agitating it while cooling to produce a slurry of solid-liquid mixed phase containing non-dendritic primary solid particles dispersed therein and discharging out the slurry from a lower part of the cooling agitation mold. In this case, a ratio of shear strain rate at a solid-liquid interface to solidification rate of molten metal is adjusted to a value exceeding 8000 in the cooling agitation mold.

Abstract: A process for bonding a mixture of substances together. The process includes the steps of forming a mixture of substances; heating the mixture of substances until the mixture is molten; pouring the molten mixture of substances into a mold; and forming a magnetic field around the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to copper-iron-nickel alloys having utility in electronic applications because of their low coefficients of expansion and high thermal conductivities. Alloys in accordance with the present invention consist essentially of from 10% to about 80% copper and the balance iron plus nickel with the ratio of iron to nickel being in the range of from about 1.5:1 to about 2.0:1. Preferred alloys have an iron to nickel ratio in the range of from about 1.6:1 to about 1.9:1. The process includes casting the alloy and treating the iron-nickel phase of alloy to minimize its surface volume. The treating step may comprise speroidizing the iron-nickel phase or applying an electromagnetic stirring force to the alloy during the casting step.

Abstract: A method of casting a metal matrix composite involves countergravity filling a bottom-gated casting mold from an underlying, initially homogenous, two-phase melt of solid reinforcing particles in a molten metal while continuously inductively stirring the melt during countergravity filling of the mold to minimize subsequent clumping or agglomeration of the reinforcing particles therein during mold filling. After the casting mold is filled, the melt in the mold may be inductively stirred during solidification therein to minimize subsequent clumping or agglomeration of the reinforcing particles in the solidifying melt. A cast metal matrix composite having the reinforcing particles uniformly dispersed in a metal matrix and substantially free of objectionable clusters of the reinforcing particles in the metal matrix is thereby provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a fine grained equiaxed casting by melting metal and removing most of the superheat of the molten metal. The molten metal is placed in a mold and optionally subjected to turbulence whereupon it solidifies to form the casting of the desired microstructure.

Abstract: Metal material is melted by moving the magnetic flux of electromagnets virtually perpendicular to an arc column to apply Lorentz force to the arc column and the metal material so that the arc column can move over the metal material surface. The movement direction and speed of the arc column are determined by detecting the arc voltage of the arc column. Feed back control is performed by comparing the obtained detection data with preset data so that optimum control is performed, and the molten metal is poured into a casting mold.

Abstract: This is a process of fabricating turbine blades for combustion turbines. It is an improvement to the type of process where a mold containing molten metal is cooled in a controlled fashion such that solidification occurs slow enough to allow single crystal growth beginning at the airfoil end. In the improved process solidification is monitored and magnetic mixing of the remaining molten metal is started at approximately the beginning of solidification of said root section and at approximately the same time the rate of cooling of said blade is increased to a rate faster than at which single crystal growth occurs. Grain boundary strengthener (preferably carbon) can be added at approximately the same time mixing is begun. A blade is produced with a single crystal airfoil section and a fine grained root section and without a substantially inhomogeneous portion at the interface between the airfoil and root sections.

Abstract: A process for preparing a slurry structured metal composition comprising degenerate dendritic solid particles contained within a lower melting matrix composition, the process comprising vigorously agitating at a given shear rate molten metal as it is solidified. Greatly improved processing efficiencies result if the shear and solidification rates are adjusted so that the ratio of the shear rate to the solidification rate is maintained at a value ranging from 2.times.10.sup.3 to 8.times.10.sup.3.

Abstract: This is a process of fabricating directionally solidified turbine blades for combustion turbines. It is an improvement to the type of process where a mold containing molten metal is cooled in a controlled fashion such that solidification occurs slow enough to allow directional solidification beginning at the airfoil end. In the improved process solidification is monitored and magnetic mixing of the remaining molten metal is started at approximately the beginning of solidification of said root section and the rate of cooling of said blade is increased to a rate faster than at which directional solidification occurs. A blade is produced with a directionally solidified airfoil section and a fine grained root section and without a substantially inhomogeneous portion at the interface between the airfoil and root sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the electromagnetic casting of metals. The process is characterized by simultaneously using a stationary field and a variable field at a suitable frequency for producing both radial vibrations within the metal which is not yet in a solidified condition and limiting agitation of the metal. The invention can be used in any circumstance where both the structure and the surface condition of the cast products are to be improved.

Abstract: A mold for use in an apparatus and process utilizing an electromagnetic field to stir a molten metal or metal alloy comprises a plurality of laminations of thermally and electrically conductive material separated by electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material is oriented to minimize at least some of the flow path lengths of currents induced in the mold whereby magnetic induction loses caused by the mold are substantially reduced and the stirring efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the electromagnetic casting of metals. The process is characterized by simultaneously using a stationary field and a variable field at a suitable frequency for producing both radial vibrations within the metal which is not yet in a solidified condition and limiting agitation of the metal. The invention can be used in any circumstance where both the structure and the surface condition of the cast products are to be improved.