Overview Of Fluid Physics Research On The International Space Station
- Paper number
IAC-08.A2.6.A6
- Author
Mr. John McQuillen, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Bhim Singh, NASA Glenn Research Center, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Fluids play a crucial role in many natural phenomena and in supporting enabling technologies for long duration human space flight as well as a broad spectrum of terrestrial technologies. Many fluid-based processes and phenomena are strongly affected by the presence of gravity. Conversely, the near absence of gravity can produce unexpected fluid behavior that fascinates scientists and baffles the designers of hardware that operates in such an environment. The ISS offers a unique platform to study both the aspects and NASA, therefore, is conducting and planning fluid physics research under Exploration Research as well as Non-Exploration Research to exploit the use of this platform. Non-Exploration Research is hypothesis-driven, fundamental research that has potential for advancing science The fluid physics experiments in this category include: Binary Colloid Alloy Test (BCAT); Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE); Investigating Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates of Colloidal Emulsions (InSPACE); Shear History of Extensional Rheology Experiment (SHERE); Observation and Analysis of Smectic Islands in Space (OASIS); and Colloids Experiment. While this research may ultimately lead to future applications by enabling new and novel technologies, the primary purpose is of an investigative nature in order to determine the mechanistic principles that govern the fluid behavior under these unique conditions. The objective of the Exploration Research Program is to utilize the ISS as a test bed for technology development, demonstration, and problem resolution in the gravity-dependent aspects of various spacecraft systems including regenerative life support, power, fluid management, thermal management; and for advanced materials development, etc. Fluid physics experiments in this category include Nucleate Pool Boiling Experiment (NPBE); Micro-heater Array Boiling Experiment (MABE); Constrained Vapor Bubble Experiment (CVB); Zero Boil-off Tank Experiment (ZBOT). This paper will present a brief description and a summary of findings for each the completed experiments and a description of the planned experiments. Papers on many of the experiments listed above will also be presented at this conference. The paper will also present a brief description of the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) which is a multi-user facility designed to enable a broad range fluid physics experiments.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)