An automated setup for measuring the viscosity of metal melts

Abstract

An automated setup for measuring the kinematic viscosity of metal melts using the method of damped torsional oscillations is described. The experimental errors in the viscosity determination are evaluated. The influence of the values of the damping factor, the oscillation period, and the sample radius and height on the value of the calculated viscosity error is analyzed. The methodological errors that are related to the consideration of the free-surface curvature, the thermal expansion, and the external friction in the inert atmosphere of the suspension system were analyzed. It is shown that these errors may have a significant effect on the viscosity determination accuracy. The viscosity of liquid lead in the range from the melting point to 1200°C is determined. The obtained data agree well with the literature data.