I've got some magnesium ribbon, and I know that it burns in air at approximately 3,100 °CAluminium metal has a melting point of 660°CAs an experiment and to waste some time, I decided to ignite some magnesium ribbon in the base of an aluminium drinks can when it is inverted (forming a useful crucible shape)I've tried a few times but nothing appears to happen to the can, except for a coating of white magnesium oxideIs it likely that the can is some alloy of aluminium with a much higher melting point, or is it probably just my technique stopping it from working? Perhaps the can conducts the heat away quickly enough to stop itself melting? It's just for fun but I'd be interested to hear any ideas! I'd like to know a) what the problem is with the current method, and b) any ways to improve it and actually put a hole in the can.
by using fact it contains quite some air bubbles, and warmth travels plenty swifter by solids than gases, so the little bubbles interior the fabric cut back the pass of warmth potential
You must know: Heat risesLittle of the heat from the burning of the Mg ribbon goes down into the canIt all goes up into the airPerhaps what you should try is to ignite a reasonable quantity of the Mg ribbon and as soon as it ignites, place the concave bottom of the aluminium can over the flaming MgThe heat generated will go directly into the can and ( hopefully) melt itThere must be close contact between the burning Mg and the bottom of the canTry that.
