A laboratory-scale study was conducted to determine the effect of orifice configuration on the integrity of a pour stream simulating molten uranium. The effect of the mold bottom shape on the initial metal splash was also investigated. The apparatus used consisted of a V3/8-scale acrylic plastic model of the bottom-pouring crucible and mold used in production. Mercury was used as the fluid in these studies because many of its physical properties are similar to those of molten uranium. The changes in the pour stream and in the initial metal splash were recorded with a motion picture camera. It was found that pour plugs having an orifice with tapered sidewalls and a rounded edge at the top produced the most desirable pour stream. Mold bottoms which were flat or which approached flatness with no abrupt change in contour minimized metal splash.
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