Capillary driven fluid flows in microgravity

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Capillary driven fluid flows in microgravity

Smirnova, M.N. / Nikitin, V.F. / Skryleva, E.I. / Weisman, Yu.G.

Abstract Safe operation of orbital platforms relies heavily on stability of fluid flows in microgravity, which are strongly affected by capillary forces. This paper describes experiments on capillary imbibition at a station in Earth orbit, as well as during parabolic flights: firstly, experiments on repeated imbibition of an artificial porous medium (glass balls of various diameters) during parabolic flights of the Airbus A300-ZeroG aircraft organized by the European Space Agency; secondly, investigation of capillary driven seepage in soil (80% quartz sand and 20% kaolinite) on the Discovery STS-91 orbiter carried out within the framework of the MIRROR GAS program. The features of the experiments, experimental equipment, post-processing of experimental data are described. The paper considers the features of the fluid flow through an inhomogeneous porous medium, as well as the case when the medium is repeatedly imbibitted. This is possible if the liquid is observed during several successive parabolas during parabolic flight. The paper describes the mathematical model developed by the authors. The results of numerical simulation are compared with experimental data.

Highlights • The features of the flow of liquids under microgravity conditions are considered. • Flows are studied controlling safe operation of spacecraft fluid supply systems. • Multiple imbibition and drainage are discussed. • The mathematical model that takes into account hysteresis is described.