I have been searching the academic literature in preparation for a NASA grant I am writing to build a power plant for next-generation deep space probes. Among the primary challenges to be addressed through this design is a means maximize transfer of heat (and therefore energy) into a liquid in zero gravity.
I came across a series of illuminating You Tube videos posted by Dr. Ben Longmier of NASA showing behavior of liquid water taken in on-orbit, zero-gravity experiments. Particularly fascinating to me is the “Nucleate Boiling in Microgravity” video. Watching these movies, keep in mind that there is no gravity to induce buoyancy to pull the vapor bubbles away from the heated surface. Thus, bubbles are expelled by other forces in the liquid that are subsidiary in terrestrial boiling.
A longer video called “Boiling water with a soldering iron in microgravity”, which contains more commentary and technical information is also posted at You Tube. This movie, unfortunately, is highly pixilated and does not show the awing detail of its shorter counterpart.
These videos and the complimentary underlying research demonstrate the ongoing value derived from NASA’s microgravity investigations of fluid thermo-physical properties. Never in a terrestrial experiment could such exquisite video be taken, and this visual data is critical to improving our fundamental understanding of heat transfer (and energy transfer) mechanisms.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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