A systems approach in product design of a novel single-pan scanning calorimeter

Industrial processes, such as casting and welding, are frequently simulated using computer models which require the materials thermophysical properties of alloys as a function of temperature with higher precision. These properties include the heat capacity, the enthalpy, the thermal conductivity the liquid fraction and the solid fraction. The thermophysical data is normally measured using thermal analysis methods; the most common instrument used is the Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). However, accuracy in the DSC measurement is limited by the instrument kinetics because it measures the thermal response of a furnace to a crucible that contains the sample, rather than a direct measurement. In particular, when phase transition occurs in a sample, several problems arise including significant errors in measuring apparent transition temperatures and enthalpy changes of the transition. Continuous efforts are often devoted to designing calorimeters that can measure materials thermophysical properties with a higher accuracy. Recently Dong and Hunt proposed a Single-Pan Scanning Calorimetry (SPSC) which can significantly reduce the measurement error via a novel single-pan concept. In this study, the systems approach has been adopted to examine the product for the SPSC. The systems approach involves the use of appropriate methods in a strategic manner that should lead to better product design. Measuring the transition temperature and enthalpy change of pure aluminium and some commercial aluminium alloys has tested the designed and built calorimeter. The measured results revealed a high accuracy in enthalpy data, excellent reproducibility and high resolution in determining transient temperature. It is concluded that the new instrument is a promising device that can achieve reliable and reproducible materials thermophysical data.