Cooling Curve Analysis Method Using A Simplified Energy Balance

In this work is described a new cooling curve analysis method focused on the experimental determination of the latent heat of phase changes and phase transformation kinetics.The method analyses the cooling process of a metallic sample, initially liquid that is contained into a cylindrical metallic mold, both of known weight, thermally isolated at its top and bottom. The method is based on a simplified energy balance associated with the experimental measurement of the temperature change of the sample during its cooling process. The method was applied experimentally to zinc and tin of commercial purity, initially liquids and contained into stainless steel molds in order to determine its ability to determine the latent heat of solidification. In order to validate the method, the obtained values of latent heat were compared with the values reported in thermochemical databases. The obtained results suggest that this method can be used to characterize the solidification of metals.