CONTROLLING QUIESCENT OPERATION OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SYSTEMS FOR METAL MANUFACTURING
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- providing a liquid metal in a fluid chamber at least partially defined by a housing, the fluid chamber having an inlet region and a discharge region;
directing a magnetic field through the housing; and
delivering a first electric current into the liquid metal in a firing chamber within the fluid chamber between the inlet region and the discharge region, the first electric current including a fluctuating electric current intersecting the magnetic field in the liquid metal to exert a pulsating force on a meniscus attached to the discharge region, the pulsating force on the liquid metal attached to the discharge region bouncing the meniscus attached to the discharge region.
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Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods are directed to applying magnetohydrodynamic forces to liquid metal to eject liquid metal along a controlled pattern, such as a controlled three-dimensional pattern as part of additive manufacturing of an object. Electric current delivered to a meniscus of the liquid metal in a quiescent state can be pulsed to reduce the likelihood of formation of an oxidation layer in nozzles associated with these devices, systems, and methods. Such a reduction in the likelihood of formation of an oxidation layer in nozzles can be useful for maintaining integrity of these nozzles between periods of use, such as between formation of parts.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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providing a liquid metal in a fluid chamber at least partially defined by a housing, the fluid chamber having an inlet region and a discharge region; directing a magnetic field through the housing; and delivering a first electric current into the liquid metal in a firing chamber within the fluid chamber between the inlet region and the discharge region, the first electric current including a fluctuating electric current intersecting the magnetic field in the liquid metal to exert a pulsating force on a meniscus attached to the discharge region, the pulsating force on the liquid metal attached to the discharge region bouncing the meniscus attached to the discharge region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A manufacturing system comprising:
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a nozzle including a housing, a magnet, and electrodes, the housing at least partially defining a fluid chamber having an inlet region and a discharge region, the magnet disposed relative to the housing with a magnetic field of the magnet extending through the fluid chamber, and the electrodes defining at least a portion of a firing chamber within the fluid chamber between the inlet region and the discharge region, the electrodes positioned relative to the magnet such that electric current from the electrodes intersects the magnetic field in the firing chamber; a robotic system mechanically coupled to the nozzle, the robotic system movable to position the discharge region; an electrical power source in electrical communication with the electrodes of the nozzle; and a controller in electrical communication with the robotic system and the electrical power source, the controller configured to move the robotic system to position the discharge region along a controlled pattern of movement corresponding to fabrication of an object, deliver a first electric current through the electrodes into a liquid metal in the firing chamber, the first electric current including a pulsed electric current intersecting the magnetic field in the liquid metal in the firing chamber to produce a pulsating force on a meniscus of the liquid metal attached to the discharge region, and along the controlled pattern of movement of the discharge region, deliver a second electric current through the electrodes into the liquid metal in the firing chamber, the second electric current intersecting the magnetic field in the liquid metal to eject the liquid metal through the discharge region to form an object. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification