Armco Inc.

Westinghouse Electric Corporation

John C Powell

Graham A Whitlow

Robert S Williams

Richard C Sussman

Donald W Follstaedt

Steven L Campbell

A method of making a composite having superconducting capability is characterized by the steps: (1) forming a mixture of particulate yttrium or rare earth, that is alloyable with Ba and Cu, with particulate Ba, Cu, and Ag, where Ag additive is present in an amount of from 2 weight % to 30 weight % of the mixture, where the Ag additive has a particle size from 0.01 micrometer to 5 micrometers, (2) melting the mixture, (3) forming on a support surface a 10% to 30% porous ribbon of alloy having an interior Ag network, (4) removing the ribbon, (5) placing the ribbon alloy on top of a metal sheet, (6) placing a metal sheet on top of the ribbon alloy, (7) sealing the ribbon alloy within the metal sheets to form a composite, (8) uni-directional rolling the composite to reduce its cross-section, and (9) annealing the composite at from 100.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. in the presence of a source of oxygen, to provide a ceramic ribbon having contacting Ag additive particles effective to carry electrical current from the ceramic ribbon to the metal sheets at temperatures greater than 100.degree. K.

Alloy method of making a composite having superconducting capability

The present invention is directed to an improved process and apparatus for strip casting. The combination of a planar flow casting nozzle positioned back from the top dead center position with an attached nozzle extension, provides an increased level of casting control and quality. The nozzle extension provides a means of containing the molten pool above the rotating substrate to increase the control of molten metal at the edges of the strip and increase the range of coating thicknesses which may be produced. The level of molten metal in the containment means is regulated to be above the level of melt supplying the casting nozzle which produces a condition of planar drag flow with the casting substrate prior to solidification.

Method and apparatus for planar drag strip casting

Casting nozzles will provide improved flow conditions with the parameters controlled according to the present invention. The gap relationships between the nozzle slot and exit orifice must be controlled in combination with converging exit passageway to provide a smooth flow without shearing and turbulence in the stream. The nozzle lips are also rounded to improve flow and increase refractory life of the lips of the nozzle. The tundish walls are tapered to provide improve flow for supplying the melt to the nozzle. The nozzle is located about 45.degree. below top dead center for optimum conditions.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

John C Powell