This investigation used the International Space Station's Electromagnetic Levitator to study the solidification of titanium-based alloys and techniques for measuring thermal diffusion in mixtures.
Simulation of the solidification of metal alloys, a key step in certain industrial processes, requires reliable data on their thermophysical properties such as surface tension and viscosity. Researchers, using data on surface tension and viscosity of titanium-based alloys in industrial processes such as casting and crystal growth, examined the microstructure and growth of these alloys using the station’s Electromagnetic Levitator.
This facility eliminates the need for containers, which can interfere with experiment results. This ESA (European Space Agency) investigation also looked at techniques for measuring thermal diffusion of molecules in a mixture. Thermal diffusion is measured using the Soret coefficient – the ratio of movement caused by temperature differences to overall movement within the system. This has applications in mineralogy and geophysics such as predicting the location of natural resources beneath Earth’s surface. SODI-DCMIX measured more-complex diffusion in mixtures of three or more components. Understanding and predicting the effects of thermal diffusion has applications in various industries such as modeling of underground oil reservoirs. NASA astronaut Kate Rubins works on Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument Experiment Diffusion Coefficient Mixture-3 (SODI) DCMix-3 installation inside the station’s Microgravity Science Glovebox. The investigation also explored the concept of using ferrofluid technology to operate a thermal control switch in a spacecraft. This outcome could support development of more reliable and long-lasting spacecraft thermal management systems, increasing mission lifespan and improving crew safety
MICROGRAVITY ALLOYS THERMAL DIFFUSION ESA SPACE STATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mars' infamous dust storms can engulf the entire planet: A new study examines howDust storms on Mars could one day pose dangers to human astronauts, damaging equipment and burying solar panels. New research gets closer to predicting when extreme weather might erupt on the Red Planet.
Read more »
York study examines role of fidget toys in youth self-harm preventionSelf-help toolkits which include sensory toys could be rolled out to primary school-age children.
Read more »
US Supreme Court Examines FDA Denial Of Flavored Vape ProductsThe U.S. Supreme Court began hearing arguments on Monday in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's defense of the agency's refusal to let two e-cigarette companies sell...
Read more »
Newsweek Horizons Podcast Examines the Future of PlasticsThe new podcast episode features highlights from the December 4 panel discussion event 'The Future of Plastics.'
Read more »
Troye Sivan Examines His Past, Our Present & the Future of His Career on ‘Origins’Troye Sivan chats with Billboard about his recent appearance on Audible's 'Origins' podcast, his experience on the Sweat Tour with Charli XCX & more.
Read more »
UBS examines the impact of potential US tariffs on EuropeUBS examines the impact of potential US tariffs on Europe
Read more »