Density of a Molten Stainless Steel-B4C Alloy Measured in the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace Onboard the International Space Station

Takehiko ISHIKAWA; Hirohisa ODA; Chihiro KOYAMA; Rina SHIMONISHI; Rumiko IKEUCHI; Paul-François PARADIS; Jumpei T. OKADA; Hiroyuki FUKUYAMA; Hidemasa YAMANO

doi:10.15011/jasma.42.420202

Takehiko ISHIKAWA , Hirohisa ODA, Chihiro KOYAMA, Rina SHIMONISHI, Rumiko IKEUCHI, Paul-François PARADIS, Jumpei T. OKADA, Hiroyuki FUKUYAMA, Hidemasa YAMANO

Author information

Takehiko ISHIKAWA [Japan] Corresponding author
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
Hirohisa ODA [Japan]
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Chihiro KOYAMA [Japan]
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Rina SHIMONISHI [Japan]
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Rumiko IKEUCHI [Japan]
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Paul-François PARADIS [Canada]
INO, Quebec
Jumpei T. OKADA [Japan]
Tohoku University
Hiroyuki FUKUYAMA [Japan]
Tohoku University
Hidemasa YAMANO [Japan]
Tohoku University

Keywords: Electrostatic levitation, High temperature melt, Density, Boron carbide, Molten stainless steel

JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS

2025 Volume 42 Issue 2 Pages 420202-

DOI https://doi.org/10.15011/jasma.42.420202

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Abstract

Samples of stainless steel (SS) - boron carbide (B4C) alloys were levitated in the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace onboard the International Space Station (ISS-ELF) to measure the thermophysical properties of their melts. Melting of samples of two different compositions (SS- 12.3, and 28 mass % B4C) were attempted in the furnace. Even though only one sample (SS-12.3 mass% B4C) could be melted, its density was successfully obtained. The sample was weighed upon return to the ground, its density (ρ) at its liquidus phase was determined to be ρ(T) =5829-0.52(T-Tl) (kg/m3) , where Tl is its liquidus temperature (2100 K).

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