Contactless surface tension measurement of molten oxides using oscillating drop method in an aerodynamic levitator.

Aerodynamic levitation stands as a contactless method for thermophysical property measurement of molten oxides at high temperatures, offering the advantage of eliminating sample contamination and enabling surface tension measurement through the oscillating drop method. However, the presence of oscillation mode splitting results in an underestimation of surface tension. By improving levitation stability and optimizing the acoustic excitation method for the levitated drops, this study successfully eliminates oscillation mode splitting for the first time.

Viscosity measurement of molten alumina and zirconia using aerodynamic levitation, laser heating and droplet oscillation techniques.

Reliable thermophysical properties of core melt (corium) are essential for the accurate prediction of the severe accident progression in light water reactors. Zirconia is one of the most important materials in corium. Despite the high interest in the viscosity of molten zirconia, few experimental data have been reported due to its high melting temperature and high vapor pressure.