Space research -- Fundamental concepts, mathematical models and scaling analysis for the microgravity environment -- Dispersed droplets and metal alloys -- Growth of semiconductors : the floating zone technique -- Macromolecular crystal growth : surface kinetics and morphological studies -- Macromolecular crystal growth at macroscopic length scales -- The growth of biological tissues.

Each year, universities and research centres – most particularly the major space agencies such as NASA, ESA, and NASDA – devote a vast amount of time and money into the research of materials behaviour and production in microgravity. Recently, the possibility of creating special alloys, inorganic and organic crystals, as well as biological (living) tissues in this condition has been investigated. Fluids, Materials and Microgravity provides a solid basis of established knowledge – through literature, fundamental studies, experimental methods, numerical (basic and sophisticated) techniques – as well as the latest in research advancements. Important for the prediction of material behaviour when exposed to the environment of space, this book explores the new knowledge provided by microgravity-based studies in producing unique inorganic, and organic materials on Earth (and in designing related new technological processes). A vital resource for any scientists interested in the understanding and modelling of the new important physical mechanisms disclosed by microgravity research, and in their possible effect on the production and behaviour of materials both in space and on Earth. A vital resource for any scientists interested in the effect of microgravity on the production and behaviour of materials. - Covers typical fluid-dynamic disturbances which can affect the behaviour and final quality of materials both in space and on Earth, and possible strategies to contain their effects - Thorough attention is devoted to the most promising and innovative technological processes provided by microgravity experimentation - Information is provided through application-based engineering models, as well as mathematical frameworks, to facilitate a deeper understanding of physical mechanisms

In a microgravity experiment, the conditions prevalent in fluid phases can be substantially different from those on the ground and can be exploited to improve different processes. Fluid physics research in microgravity is important for the advancement of all microgravity scients: life, material, and engineering. Space flight provides a unique laboratory that allows scientists to improve their understanding of the behaviour of fluids in low gravity, allowing the investigation of phenomena and processes normally masked by the effects of gravity and thus difficult to study on Earth. Physics of Fluids in Microgravity provides a clear view of recent research and progress in the different fields of fluid research in space. The topics presented include bubles and drops dynamics, Maragoni flows, diffustion and thermodiffusion, solidfication,a nd crystal growth. The results obtained so far are, in some cases, to be confirmed by extensive research activities on the International Space station, where basic and applied microgravity experimentation will take place in the years to come.

The peaceful use of space flight systems for research and technological devel opments in the context of promoting European and international cooperation represents the essential motivation for the programmes of the European Space Agency (ESA). One of ESA's programmes is dedicated to microgravity research, which is now an established discipline in Europe, with a dedicated group of scientists participating. The Challenger disaster has resulted in a serious dis continuity of flight opportunities in the next few years but the forthcoming International Space Station, new launchers and reentry vehicles are expected to provide ample opportunities for microgravity research in the long term. Meanwhile parabolic aircraft flights, sounding rockets as well as the delayed Shuttle-dependent missions, Spacelab D-2, the IML-missions and EURECA I, will be employed to keep microgravity experimenters reasonably busy in the interim period. To prepare the ground for these activities, both regarding research and experiment facilities, an in-depth analysis of the state of the art is an essential requirement at this time. Such an analysis is presented in this volume. It ad dresses all of the topics that have been identified to be of relevance. Besides a presentation of the fundamental aspects justifying microgravity research, the results of experiments already performed are reviewed and recommendations for future activities are made. Close to fifty European scientists have cooper ated in the preparation of this volume and their dedicated and concerted effort is greatly appreciated.

Substantial progress has been made in the field of fluid mechanics under compensated gravity effects (microgravity). The main task of this disciplinehas evolved tremendously. Starting out with the aim of providing assistance in describing flow problems in other microgravity sciences, microgravityfluid mechanics has itself now become acknowledge as a powerful means of research. The IUTAM Symposium on Microgravity Fluid Mechanics has pro- vided the long-awaited forum for scientists from 15 coun- tries to discuss and concretize the "state-of-the-art" in this discipline. The main themes treated are: Interface Phe- nomena, Convective Processes; Marangoni effects, Solidifica- tion, Combustion, Physico-Chemical Processes, Multiphase Phenomena, Residual Acceleration effects, Fluid Handling and Non-Newtonian Flows.

This book provides an introduction to understanding combustion, the burning of a substance that produces heat and often light, in microgravity environments-i.e., environments with very low gravity such as outer space. Readers are presented with a compilation of worldwide findings from fifteen years of research and experimental tests in various low-gravity environments, including drop towers, aircraft, and space.Microgravity Combustion is unique in that no other book reviews low- gravity combustion research in such a comprehensive manner. It provides an excellent introduction for those researching in the fields of combustion, aerospace, and fluid and thermal sciences.* An introduction to the progress made in understanding combustion in a microgravity environment* Experimental, theoretical and computational findings of current combustion research* Tutorial concepts, such as scaling analysis* Worldwide microgravity research findings

This book presents the physical science experiments in a space microgravity environment conducted on board the SJ-10 recoverable satellite, which was launched on April 6th, 2016 and recovered on April 18th, 2016. The experiments described were selected from ~100 proposals from various institutions in China and around the world, and have never previously been conducted in the respective fields. They involve fluid physics and materials science, and primarily investigate the kinetic properties of matter in a space microgravity environment. The book provides a comprehensive review of these experiments, as well as the mission’s execution, data collection, and scientific outcomes.

Thermal Convection - Patterns, Stages of Evolution and Stability Behavior provides the reader with an ensemble picture of the subject, illustrating the state-of-the-art and providing the researchers from universities and industry with a basis on which they are able to estimate the possible impact of a variety of parameters. Unlike earlier books on the subject, the heavy mathematical background underlying and governing the behaviors illustrated in the text are kept to a minimum. The text clarifies some still unresolved controversies pertaining to the physical nature of the dominating driving force responsible for asymmetric/oscillatory convection in various natural phenomena and/or technologically important processes and can help researchers in elaborating and validating new, more complex models, in accelerating the current trend towards predictable and reproducible natural phenomena and in establishing an adequate scientific foundation to industrial processes. Thermal Convection - Patterns, Stages of Evolution and Stability Behavior is intended as a useful reference guide for specialists in disciplines such as the metallurgy and foundry field and researchers and scientists who are now coordinating their efforts to improve the quality of semiconductor or macromolecular crystals. The text may also be of use to organic chemists and materials scientists, atmosphere and planetary physicists, as well as an advanced level text for students taking part in courses on the physics of fluids, fluid mechanics, the behavior and evolution of non-linear systems, environmental phenomena and materials engineering.

Contains scientific reports covering space flight experiments and advances in ground-based research which provide insights into the usual microgravity subfields, including fluid sciences; modelling; physical chemistry; crystal growth; and solidification.