Noninvasive Tracking of Solidification In Casting Using Ultrasound
Restricted (Penn State Only)
Author:
Smith, Caeden
Area of Honors:
Engineering Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Andrea P. Arguelles, Thesis Supervisor Gary L. Gray, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Ultrasound solidification wax casting noninvasive
Abstract:
Noninvasive tracking of solidification is typically done by monitoring the sample’s surface temperature. This approach is error-prone and not always appropriate for complex geometries and often does not provide complete information on the sample’s transitioning phases. This feasibility study investigates using ultrasonic waves to noninvasively track solidification in paraffin wax. Ultrasonic sensors are used in through-transmission mode to monitor the response over the solidification period. The difference in speed of sound between the wax’s liquid and solid phase allowed for the time of complete solidification to be identified. Temperature probes are used to verify the results obtained from the ultrasonic data. The ultimate goal of the project is to use a metal sample and connect information from the ultrasonic signal to the material properties and grain structure of the cast using noninvasive ultrasound technology.
