The Effects of Microgravity on Glass
Alfred Univeristy
The broad difference in densities between metals and glasses poses
a separation problem during processing in gravity. A reduced gravity
environment, therefore, will enable the production of a homogeneously
dispersed metal phase in a glassy matrix and will permit the unique
structural and electrical properties of these novel materials to be
examined. Metallic mini-spheres and fibers are to be incorporated into a
silica sol-gel glass via a custom made dual syringe apparatus. The sol-gel
process was chosen because of its ability to "gel" quickly at warm
temperatures. Thirty-six maneuvers for each of two flights on the KC-135A
are requested to complete the production of the necessary number of samples
required to perform a complete statistical analysis of the chosen
parameters. These parameters include introducing 5, 10, and 15 volume
percents of metallic phase into a silica matrix in the form of fibers and
spheres, along with a set of controls which lack the addition of metal.
The production of any new material holds promise for the discovery of
beneficial properties. In the case of glass-metal composites, tough and
strong structural properties are predicted, as well as introduced
electrical conductivity and coercivity. The effects of microgravity will
be assessed by comparing the results of strength, toughness and electrical
tests on the flight samples to those fabricated by the ground crew at
normal earth gravity. The microstructure of the finished composite
material will be closely examined for homogeneity. These results will be
the basis of the flight crews' senior theses, explained in a website, and
discussed at a national convention of the American Ceramic Society.
Visit our web site at: Alfred University Microgravity
