Investigation of Non-Linear Chemical Reaction in Microgravity

Purdue University

One of the goals of the U.S. Space Program is to make space an environment friendly enough such that the advantages of microgravity can be applied to the manufacturing processes of various products. The International Space Station has been designed to test man's long term ability to remain in space. It is apparent that in the foreseeable future, the need to carry out large scale chemical reactions in a microgravity environment will arise.

We therefore propose to study the effects of a microgravity environment on a nonlinear oscillatory chemical reaction diffusion system. Specifically, spatial pattern formation and reaction wave front velocities exhibited by the Belousov-Zhabotinskii (BZ) reaction will be studied in the microgravity environment of NASA's KC-135A.

This research will give new insight into the nonlinearity and pattern formation which are present in many chemical reactions, and will further evaluate the role of gravity in the reaction mechanisms. Furthermore, the data collected will help us to learn more about the influence of microgravity on chemical transport and molecular diffusion. We have chosen to study the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction. It is a classic example of a nonlinear, oscillatory chemical reaction and has never been performed in microgravity.

We have designed an extensive outreach program to share this unique experience with students of all age levels using displays at two museums, presentations at several schools, and national television coverage. If accepted, our flight team will be accompanied by a film crew and one of the hosts from Newton's Apple. Coverage will also be provided by various television stations and newspapers.

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Last Modified: Tue May 19 1998
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