Abstract
This paper reviews recent developments on experimental methods and results of molten metal penetration into porous media and its theoretical achievements. Several selected topics are focused on, including experimental procedure, threshold pressure, penetration behavior, time dependence of penetration height, etc. studied by authors. And several interesting results of some researcher, including spontaneous penetration, influence of atmosphere or surface treatment on the penetration behavior are also highlighted. On the experimental method, authors have recently developed a new observation method of penetration of molten metal into porous refractory. The penetration behavior was observed by using X-ray radiographic apparatus. On the theoretical achievements, the data for penetration height were analyzed based on a capillary model in which a labyrinth (or tortuosity) factor was introduced, that is, a modified capillary model. The penetration behavior of molten metal was predictable based on penetration behavior of mercury. And some countermeasures to suppress or accelerate the penetration of molten metal into porous media was suggested.
