D. M. P. Planche, P. C. Coddet, University of Technology Belfort-Montbeliard, Belfort Cedex, France; A. Allimant, L. Dembinski, University of Technology Belfort-Montbeliard, Belfort cedex, France
Liquid metal atomization using a De Laval nozzle has proven its efficiency in producing fine and narrow sized powder. The modelling work of gas dynamics related to nozzle geometry has lead to a better understanding of the effects of the processing parameters. During the emptying of the crucible, the decrease in the static height of the melt acts on the metal mass flow rate. An experimental study on the particle size distribution in the cross-section of the spray and its evolution during the process has confirmed the unsteadiness of the process. By establishing a model to fit the gas pressure to the mass flow rate evolution, an almost steady state can be reached for the process. This has brought us to reduce the mean particle size and to improve the narrowness of the as-atomized particle size distribution.
Summary: Liquid metal atomization using a De Laval nozzle has proven its efficiency in producing fine and narrow sized powder. The modelling work of gas dynamics related to nozzle geometry has lead to a better understanding of the effects of the processing parameters.
