Aerodynamic Levitation and Inductive Heating – A New Concept for Structural Investigations of Undercooled Melts

The combined application of containerless techniques with X-ray diffraction and absorption at synchrotron sources as well as neutron diffraction enables structural investigations of high-melting-point and/or corrosive liquids above the melting point and in the undercooled state. A variety of containerless techniques are available including electromagnetic and aerodynamic levitation. In the framework of a bilateral project, a new hybrid system combining aerodynamic levitation with inductive heating is being developed. Advantages and concept of the setup are discussed. Different Helmholtz coils and cylindrical coils were used to heat levitated, solid samples. Melting and stable levitation in the liquid state were achieved for aluminum. The general problem of deformation of liquid samples by electromagnetic fields is discussed.