Levitating and Melting Behavior of Ni and Pb Metals during Electromagnetic Levitation Apparatus under Microgravity Conditions by Parabolic Flightt

Abstract

Levitation experiments were carried out in microgravity condition during parabolic flights were carried out using a newly developed electromagnetic levitation furnace with 1 kW power supply. The main objectives of the experiments were to confirm the levitation stability for solid and molten alloy samples. We also examined the performance and adaptability of the levitation furnace during the parabolic flight. Using a symmetric coil spherical nickel samples were stably hold within a second after the microgravity condition was attained . Spherical lead samples were also stable hold under microgravity. The experiments were successfully performed and the results showed that the technical bases for the containerless process under microgravity conditions were established.