There are several main sources of thermophysical property data that provide the most authoritative and comprehensive compilations of critically and systematically evaluated data that are presently available. This article provides thermophysical property data to assist in the materials properties selection for the simulation of casting processes. The measurements of thermophysical property are difficult due to high temperatures and the reactivity of some alloys. The article discusses the strategies adopted to minimize the effects of high temperatures and reactivity of alloys. It presents the thermophysical properties of pure metals and some commercial alloys and tabulates the enthalpy of fusion and solidus and liquidus temperatures for various alloys of commercial interest. The article also lists the density, thermal conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity for some commercial alloys.

The shielding gas used in a welding process has a significant influence on the overall performance of the welding system. This article discusses the basic properties of a shielding gas in terms of ionization potential, thermal conductivity, dissociation and recombination, reactivity/oxidation potential, surface tension, gas purity, and gas density. It describes the characteristics of the components of a shielding gas blend. The article discusses the selection of shielding gas for gas-metal arc welding (GMAW), gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and plasma arc welding (PAW), as well as the influence of shielding gas on weld mechanical properties. It concludes with a discussion on flux-cored arc welding.