Dr. Choi's group has done some internally funded on the effects of ultrasonic waves on the melting process and has found some very interesting effects. Specifically, he found melting rates enhanced by as much as 250%, modifications to the form of the phase-interface, and a dependance of the behavior on the applied ultrasonic frequency. While the experiments appear to demonstrate an effect, the physics behind the phenomenon have not been elucidated. Dr. Choi proposes to perform similar experiments for the case of solidification. With recent interest in the use of phase- change materials, rate of solidification and void formation during solidification is of extreme importance. If the application of ultrasonic waves can enable the control of the solidification process, a substantial advance will have been made in this technology.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1989-12-15
Budget End
1991-05-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
$33,672
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60612