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Experiments with the low melting indium-bismuth alloy systemThe following is a laboratory experiment designed to create an interest in and to further understanding of materials science. The primary audience for this material is the junior high school or middle school science student having no previous familiarity with the material, other than some knowledge of temperature and the concepts of atoms, elements, compounds, and chemical reactions. The objective of the experiment is to investigate the indium-bismuth alloy system. Near the eutectic composition, the liquidus is well below the boiling point of water, allowing simple, minimal hazard casting experiments. Such phenomena as metal oxidation, formation of intermetallic compound crystals, and an unusual volume increase during solidification could all be directly observed. A key concept for students to absorb is that properties of an alloy (melting point, mechanical behavior) may not correlate with simple interpolation of properties of the pure components. Discussion of other low melting metals and alloys leads to consideration of environmental and toxicity issues, as well as providing some historical context. Wetting behavior can also be explored.
Document ID
19920021029
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Krepski, Richard P. (Intermet Technology Georgetown, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Langley Research Center, National Educators' Workshop: Update 1991. Standard Experiments in Engineering Materials Science and Technology
Subject Category
Metallic Materials
Accession Number
92N30272
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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