Measurement of Viscosity of Molten Light Alloys, Copper Alloys, and Cast Irons at High Temperatures by the Rotating Cylinder Method

Abstract

1. The rotating cylinder method was adopted with success for the measurement of the viscosity of various molten metals and alloys. 2. The measuring apparatus is fully described. 3. The viscosity of molten aluminium and a number of casting light alloys (Al-Cu, Al-Zn, Al-Cu-Zn, Al-Si, Al-Cu-Ni, Al-Cu-Ni-Mg, and silumin) was measured. 4. The viscosity of various casting copper alloys (aluminium-bronze, bronze, phosphor-bronze, brass, gun metal and manganese-bronze) was measured. 5. The authors found two change points at 765°C and 855°C in molten aluminium and light alloys during the measurement of viscosity, and their existence was further verified by thermal analysis and measurement of the electric resistance. 6. The modification of silumin seems to have some connection with the change at 765 °C. By modification the change point is moved to a lower temperature. 7. The influence of various impurities upon the viscosity of cast iron have been ascertained. Phosphorus, carbon, silicon. and manganese improve the viscosity of cast iron in different degrees but sulphur has a marked injurious effect on it.