Reference data for high temperature viscosity and surface tension measurements

Objective

The objective of this project is to provide accurate surface tension and viscosity data for calibrants for use at high temperatures.
The analytical techniques used to process the oscillation spectra obtained from levitated drops have been significantly improved. Surface tension values obtained in this way have been shown to be (i) independent of the drop mass, (ii) in agreement with recommended values and (iii) in agreement with values calculated from single-peak spectra obtained in microgravity experiments on Au and (36% Ni + 64% Zr). Surface tension values are reported for liquid Ni, Au, Cu and Pt.

An oscillating viscometer has been designed, constructed and commissioned. The performance of the viscometer has been checked using mercury and zinc and the resulting values were within 1% of recommended values. Viscosities have also been obtained for liquid A1 and Cu. Microgravity experiments have been carried out to determine the feasibility of deriving viscosities from the damping of the oscillations of a levitated gold drop. The results indicate that the damping forces are larger than the calculated viscous forces.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › transition metals

Programme(s)

• FP3-MAT - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of measurements and testing, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

Data not available

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

Address

Queen's Road
TW11 0LW Teddington
United Kingdom

Participants (2)

GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTRE

Germany

Address

Linder Höhe
51147 Koeln

Links

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Sweden

Address

79,valhallavaegen 79
10044 Stockholm