X-radiography front tracking gradient furnace for directional solidification of bulk Al-alloys

A unique gradient furnace for directional solidification experiments with bulk Al-alloy samples developed at German Aerospace Center is presented. It allows in situ process control solidifying by using x-radiography, and further insight into the gained combination x-ray computational tomography on solidified samples. Tracking of interfaces during via x-radiography (TIREX) enables investigation melting observation movement entire mushy zone through sample, tracing solid–liquid interface correlating observations microstructure Monitoring temperature profile inside sample length particularly important because G rate interfacial growth v determine solidification. The setup offers temporal spatial resolutions 0.5 s 70 μm, respectively, a field view 10 × 50 mm2. Constant velocities up to 0.15 mm s−1 8 K mm−1 can be achieved range 537–1373 K. flat rod-like 5 diameter surrounding thermal isolating graphite foam. Performance tests hypoeutectic Al–10 wt. % Cu alloy show functionality facility.