Effect of intense magnetic fields on solidified structures of non-magnetic metals with various susceptibilities

The effects of intense magnetic fields on homogeneous nucleation are theoretically discussed from thermodynamics viewpoint. The results show that the magnetic fields can promote or retrain nucleus formation through changing the equilibrium temperature of the metal and Gibbs free energy of the system. The experiments are carried out in which intense magnetic fields are imposed on metals with different magnetic permeabilities during their solidification processes. It is found that the roles of intense magnetic fields such as refining solidified structures and orientating crystals are not similar for different metals. The mechanisms of these phenomena could be explained appropriately according to the influences of magnetic energy, Lorentz force or magnetization force. It is concluded that using intense magnetic fields can change the solidified structures of metals and then improve the quality and properties of materials accordingly.