Visualization of density fields in liquid metals

Analysis of the density fields can yield information concerning the character of convective flow field as well as the nature of the heat transfer taking place. Visualization of density fields in liquid gallium was demonstrated using a non-invasive method of liquid metal flow which uses real time radioscopy to visualize melting and solidification interfaces. The density of fluid varies as a function of temperature. The gallium was allowed to partially solidify to help read the image by indicating the direction of the temperature gradient and verifies the direction of the convective flow and gives indication of its intensity. With further hardware improvements and the proper post-processing and image enhancement techniques, the images can be smoothed out to provide valuable real time visualization of convective flow patterns in liquid metals.