NEAR-INFRARED MEASUREMENTS IN CLOSE-COUPLED GAS ATOMIZATION

Imaging near-infrared radiometry has been employed successfully for ra diance measurements of the close-coupled atomization of nickel base su peralloys. Detailed temperature and process measurements were made whi ch would otherwise be impossible or impractical. Transient and steady state temperatures have been determined for both the melt and the nozz le in an atomization environment infrared pyrometry has also been used to establish that atomization plumes have characteristic radiance pro files that can be used for process control Radiometry has been demonst rated to provide useful quantitative measurements for process developm ent and to provide opportunities for real time process control feedbac k. Application techniques and limitations are discussed.