Characterisation of solidification using combined confocal scanning laser microscopy with infrared thermography

Confocal scanning laser microscopy is a growing technique as it offers the unique capability to observe (amongst other things) the solidification of high melting point materials such as steels. Here this technique has been expanded to incorporate an infrared thermographer to gain bulk information about solidification of both pure iron and a low carbon steel. This technique shows a clear indication of the onset and competition of solidification at rates up to 10 °C/s and as such becomes more applicable to the rates expected during steel casting compared to conventional calorimetry.