Homogeneous
Of the same kind or nature; having similar parts; or, of elements of the like nature; as, homogeneous particles, elements, or principles; homogeneous bodies.
Honeycombing is the peculiar phenomena present in the upper portion of cast-steel ingots and steel castings, as well as those of brass and cast iron. In some instances this is supposed to be due to the liberation of imprisoned gases which, for the lack of pressure, remain within the mass of metal and form the honeycombing structure seen. Many schemes have been tried to prevent this, such as regulating the speed of pouring, temperature of metal for pouring with, covering the top with sand, molten slag, etc.; also by the introduction of some alloy, as aluminum; but none of these seem to be as effective for this purpose as the method pursued by Sir Joseph Whitworth, which consists of submitting the fluid metal to an enormous hydraulic pressure, which is maintained until the ingot has solidified. Some of the aluminum alloys have been credited with the ability to render steel castings perfectly sound, besides making the resultant steel tougher. Some claim that by using this alloy manganese can be discarded and time and fuel saved. See PRESSING FLUID STEEL; INGOTS; BLISTERS; BLOW-HOLES; ALUMINUM; SILICON. Hood is all that portion of the cupola shell which extends above the charging-hole. It is best to contract the hood in size somewhat, and carry it up sufficiently high to induce a good draught, which not only serves a good purpose in lighting up the first charges of fuel, but is a considerable auxiliary to the blower. See CUPOLA; LIGHTING THE CUPOLA.