[en] This paper is concerned with a computational method for detecting and characterizing defect shapes in conducting materials using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The mathematical model is described by electrical potential problems with mixed boundary condition. The model output is then represented by Biot-Savart's law. The estimation scheme is proposed for reconstructing defect shapes in sample materials with defect. Successful numerical results are reported in order to show the feasibility of the proposed algorithms. (author)

[en] The shaping methods of Nb-Al intermetallic compounds, especially melting and casting, have considerably different characteristics as compared with those for other metals and alloys. The authors have investigated melting and casting processes for Nb-Al compounds to develop precision casting processes for these intermetallics. Fundamental properties of Nb-Al compound castings have been also investigated for high temperature structural use in this work. An advanced Induction Skull Melting (ISM) furnace has been developed and the advantages of ISM have been recognized as a result of this study. The mechanical properties, such as hardness and compression strength, are dependent upon the Al content in Nb-Al binary compounds