Mold Height Adjustment Platform for Vacuum Induction Melting System

Nickolaus M. Bruno, NASA Subject Matter Expert

Description

Design/build/test/deliver height adjustment platforms for a dual tilt-pour six-mold carousel vacuum induction melting system.  The six, individually removable platforms should sit between a carousel base and mold to enable mold height adjustment during the pouring of molten metal from an overhead crucible to the mold.  Platforms should connect to power and control through a vacuum feedthrough in the chamber wall.  A control box should be designed and provided to allow the operator to select a single platform on the carousel for manual height adjustment from 2 to 12 inches.  The system shall be sufficient to lift the required mass over thousands of cycles and all platforms and connection lines shall be shielded for protection against the high temperatures of molten metals.  In case of a control failure to a platform, the height shall lock in place.

Project Objectives

Research prior tundish solutions for pouring melts from crucibles to molds. Develop a solution for implementing a height adjustment within the constrained volume and geometry. Design, build, and test a single working prototype for one mold.

Type of Project

Prototype – Funding of up to $5,000.00 is available for the selected institution.

Disciplines Required

Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

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Contact Information

Gerald Voltz
Education Program Specialist
Email: GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov

Phone: (216) 433-6656

Glenn Research Center – Office of STEM Engagement