Liquid metals: structure and diffusion

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Melting and casting, processes whereby metals or alloys are melted then poured into molds and allowed to solidify to form a particular solid shape, have been used by humankind since the copper age which began about 4000 BCE. Initially, castings were limited to small, simple shapes such as figurines, cooking pots, knives, etc. As humankind progressed through the bronze age and iron age and the industrial revolution to the present day, the metal alloys became more sophisticated and increasingly complex molds were utilized. Today, castings made from molten metals pervade almost all aspects of everyday life, from simple objects such as cast iron frying pans and children's toys to larger and more complex shapes such as automobile engine blocks all the way to cast, single crystal turbine blades made from very sophisticated high temperature alloys and used in airplane jet engines.