We give a critical analysis of the last results obtained during two thermal diffusion experiments on molten salts performed during the flights D1 and D2 of the Space shuttle. Because of the limitation coming from the method of measurement (simple recording of the evolution of the thermoelectric power) without any visualization of the liquid stability, we used on earth a holographic technique in order to make new and improved experiments permitting both the measurement of the thermal diffusion phenomenon and the visualization of eventual convective disturbances in the cell. Consequently, convective oscillatory instabilities can then be evidenced on earth, as an intermediate regime between pure conduction and stationary convection. This up-to-date technique will be adapted to the microgravity environment of the International Space Station in the near future.
Microgravity and earth thermal diffusion in liquids holographic visualization of convection
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM - 2000 ; 2000 ; Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 504 , 1 ; 861-865
19.01.2000
5 pages
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Microgravity and Earth Thermal Diffusion in Liquids Holographic Visualization of Convection
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