Dynamic Systems Limited

Ferguson Hugo S

A deformable, inexpensive crucible for use with a dynamic thermo-mechanical physical test or simulating system, specifically for holding a self-resistively heated specimen (250) at liquid temperatures and particularly, though not exclusively, one suited for use in simulating thin-strip continuous casting processes. The crucible is formed of a thermally and electrically insulating material (222) which surrounds, e.g., the bottom and two opposing and sides of the specimen perpendicular to the direction of the force used for compression and which, in turn, is held within a thin, readily deformable, e.g., U-shaped shell (210) with an upwardly facing open portion. The shell is appropriately sized with a length and height less than that of insulating material such that, when properly positioned over the material, the shell will not contact the specimen and hence remain insulated from the heating current flowing therethrough and thus will not exhibit any self-resistive heating. The insulating material develops a sufficiently large thermal gradient thereacross such that, when a central region (260) of the specimen located on one side of the material is at liquid temperatures, the temperature of the shell located on other side of the material will remain sufficiently below its liquidus temperature, such that the shell, at its elevated temperature, will still possess adequate mechanical strength to mechanically support the liquid or semi-solid portion of the specimen. Advantageously, the shell can be manufactured from the same or similar low-cost material as the specimen.

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Averill Park, NY, United States of America

Ferguson Hugo S