A group of laboratory techniques used to measure how a metal or alloy behaves as it is heated or cooled. Methods like differential scanning calorimetry or differential thermal analysis pinpoint phase changes, melting points, and precipitation reactions. Metallurgists use these cooling curves to map phase diagrams and determine exact liquidus and solidus temperatures for new alloys.
Heard on the job
Run a thermal analysis on this new batch to find exactly where the eutectic phase starts melting.
Insider tip
In foundry work, shop-floor thermal analysis is often done by pouring a quick cup sample and reading the cooling curve to check carbon equivalent before pouring the main casting.