ARTEC-A furnace module for directional solidification and quenching experiments in microgravity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Aerospace Engineering
• Solidification Science

Background:

• Directional solidification experiments are crucial for understanding alloy microstructure formation.
• Previous microgravity facilities had limitations in controlling solidification velocity.
• Aerogel materials offer excellent thermal insulation and optical transparency for furnace design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel experimental design for directional solidification under microgravity with high cooling rates.
• To enable the study of rapid transitions in solidification velocity and their effect on microstructure.
• To facilitate convection-free growth studies and the investigation of alloys with significant density differences.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Aerogel Technology for Cast alloys (ARTEC) furnace module.
• Utilizing aerogel crucibles for thermal insulation and optical monitoring.
• Implementing a movable cooling-rod to achieve high solidification velocities.
• Conducting experiments in microgravity to eliminate convection effects.

Main Results:

• ARTEC allows for a transition from low to high solidification velocities.
• Simultaneous operation of five independent furnaces within a single sounding rocket module.
• Optical methods enable precise control and monitoring of solidification parameters.
• Microgravity conditions provide a platform for convection-free growth studies.

Conclusions:

• The ARTEC facility significantly advances the capability for studying solidification phenomena under controlled microgravity conditions.
• This setup provides a unique opportunity to investigate the influence of rapid solidification velocity changes on alloy microstructure.
• It enables fundamental research into alloy solidification, free from convective disturbances and macrosegregation.