University of Leicester
Browse

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

Download (6.41 MB)
thesis
posted on 2015-01-23, 11:05 authored by Sinan Savas
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.

History

Supervisor(s)

Dong, Hongbiao; Sinka, Csaba

Date of award

2015-01-01

Author affiliation

Department of Engineering

Awarding institution

University of Leicester

Qualification level

  • Doctoral

Qualification name

  • PhD

Language

en

Usage metrics

    University of Leicester Theses

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Keywords

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC