Triggering steam explosions of single drops of a molten ferrosilicon alloy with a simple encapsulated mechanical impactor

• Published in: Metallurgical and materials transactions. B, Process metallurgy and materials processing science Vol. 30; no. 6; pp. 1083 - 1088
• Main Authors: NELSON, L. S, BROOKS, P. W, BONAZZA, R, CORRADINI, M. L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01-12-1999; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Encapsulation; Exact sciences and technology; Explosions; Ferrosilicon; Impactors; Metallurgical fundamentals; Metals. Metallurgy; Process metallurgy; Production of metals; Steam explosions; Time measurement; Transaction processing; Ferrosilicon; Measurement sensor; Underwater construction; Impactor; Explosions; Experimental study; Water vapor
• ISSN: 1073-5615; 1543-1916
• DOI: 10.1007/s11663-999-0114-6

We have developed a simple and inexpensive encapsulated mechanical impactor that can be operated under water. The unit reproducibly generates upward-directed pressure transients in the water with peaks of approximately 0.13 MPa measured 100 mm above its surface. These pulses have been used to trigger steam explosions of drops of a molten ferrosilicon alloy when they are either just above the unit in free fall through the water or shortly after they land on its surface. The impactor is study, reliable, safe, and environmentally neutral and resets for reuse within seconds. Compared to other triggering techniques, the impactor does not generate light, bubbles, or strong water motion that obscure or appreciably affect the initiation or early stages of the steam explosions. This permits good imaging and measurements at essentially all times during the triggering and subsequent development of the explosions.