Spherical Sample Holder for Phase Transition Pressure Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting phase transformations during metal solidification, such as solidification processes, are inadequate in preventing defects, often leading to product failure and safety issues due to the inability to accurately forecast shrinkage defects and other defects related to melt composition.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a spherical sample holder that measures core and peripheral temperatures, radial displacements, and calculates pressure changes over time using data series, allowing for the prediction of phase transformation risks by associating underpressure with shrinkage defects, and utilizing the Clapeyron equation to calculate pressure based on latent heat release and volume change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional thermal analysis methods are used to monitor solidification, then temperature data can be obtained, but the ability to predict shrinkage defects and phase transformations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect prediction reliabilityVSAvoidpressure change information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spherical sample holder as an intermediary device that captures and transmits pressure change information from the solidifying material. The sample holder acts as a mediator between the material and measurement instruments, enabling indirect measurement of pressure changes that occur during solidification and phase transformation, thereby providing previously unavailable information for defect prediction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional thermal-only analysis with a multi-parameter measurement system that includes pressure change detection. By incorporating mechanical measurement (pressure/displacement) alongside thermal measurement, the system gains access to additional physical parameters that improve defect prediction capability without relying solely on thermal data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement points are used to capture thermal field orientation, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal field measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into multiple spatially distributed measurement points on the spherical sample holder. By segmenting the measurement system into discrete sensors positioned at specific locations, the complex task of characterizing the entire thermal field is broken down into manageable local measurements that can be processed individually and combined to provide comprehensive information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a spherical sample holder geometry to simplify the measurement of thermal field orientation. The spherical shape provides a symmetric reference frame where measurement points can be uniformly distributed, and radial displacements can be directly related to volumetric changes. This geometric choice reduces the complexity of data interpretation compared to arbitrary-shaped samples

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the reliability of predicting defects during solidification processes by providing detailed pressure changes as a function of temperature, enabling early detection and prevention of shrinkage porosity and other defects, thus improving product safety and reducing scrap rates.

Implementation Method 1

measuring and recording a first data series of core temperature at the sample's center of gravity, measuring and recording a respective second data series of temperature at the sample's periphery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

measuring and recording a respective third data series of radial displacements at the sample's periphery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

calculating a change in pressure in the sample at a plurality of points in time based on first, second and third said data series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClapeyron equation:

Data Source

PatentEP3356805B1Method of and device for analysing a phase transition of a material
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 TEKNISKA HOGSKOLAN I JONKOPING AB
  • EP3356805B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3356805B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3356805B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of analyzing a phase transformation process of a material comprises providing a spherical sample of the material, measuring and recording a first data series of core temperature at the sample's center of gravity, measuring and recording a respective second data series of temperature at the sample's periphery, measuring and recording a respective third data series of radial displacements at the sample's periphery, and calculating a change in pressure in the sample at a plurality of points in time based on first, second and third said data series.