Microgravity Pipeflow Induced Through
Asymmetrical Oscillation
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
The main objective of the proposed experiment is to investigate the
phenomena associated with fluid transport accomplished by asymmetrically
oscillating a pipe along its axis. Various frequency oscillations will be
applied to fluids within pipes varying in both diameter and surface
composition. This experiment cannot be accomplished in the presence of
gravity with pipes any larger than a common drinking straw. On earth, the
liquid in a partially filled drinking straw can be made to go in a
preferred direction with a shaking motion. For pipes with larger
diameters, gravitational pull reduces the effects of surface tension,
causing fluid in a horizontally mounted pipe to spill. However, in a
microgravity environment, surface tension will remain intact, causing the
fluid to remain a cohesive mass. In microgravity, applying asymmetrical
oscillations to this pipe should induce rapid transit of the fluid in it.
This experiment has applications in the transport of fluids in spacecraft
systems.
Visit our web site at: University of Michigan Microgravity
