Patent ID: 6059015
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: F27B

Abstract:
A method for directionally solidifying a reactive, refractory molten material to form a directionally-solidified, reactive, refractory composite material, the method comprising the steps of:melting a reactive, refractory material within a vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible to yield a melt;at least partially levitating the melt by applying an electromagnetic field to at least partially levitate the melt within the vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible;solidifying the material;remelting the solidified material, where the step of remelting the solidified material homogenizes the material; andseparating the vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible from the electromagnetic field so as to cause directional solidification of the melt in the vertical, multiple-segment, cold-walled, water-cooled, copper crucible and thereby form a directionally solidified article, where the article comprises a reactive, refractory composite material.