Abstract This paper describes an inexpensive, non-invasive and highly adaptable surface reconstruction device for opaque liquids. The instrument was developed to study the lateral sloshing of ferrofluids in microgravity as part of the UNOOSA DropTES 2019 StELIUM project. Its design is driven by the geometrical and mechanical constraints imposed by ZARM’s drop tower, where the experiment was launched in November 2019. The launch catapult and deceleration systems impose strong axial g-loads to a system that is confined in the reduced capsule environment. Redundant procedures are implemented to measure the first two lateral sloshing frequencies and damping ratios of the magnetic liquid, as well as its equilibrium surface in microgravity. Ideal vertical resolutions between 0.25 and 0.4 mm/px can be achieved with the configuration here proposed. The final performance depends, among other factors, on the correct application of the robust calibration procedure that is documented in this work.

    Highlights A simple, inexpensive and adaptable liquid surface reconstruction device is presented. Laser projections are employed to compute the free surface elevation profile. The device was developed to study the sloshing of ferrofluids in microgravity. The meniscus shape and oscillation frequencies are easily measured.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Free surface reconstruction of opaque liquids in microgravity, Part 1: Design and on-ground testing


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 189 ; 250-259


    Publication date :

    2021-08-18


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Free surface reconstruction of opaque liquids in microgravity. Part 2: Drop tower campaign

    Romero-Calvo, Á. / Garrone, F. / García-Salcedo, A.J. et al. | Elsevier | 2021



    Bubble-Free Containers For Liquids In Microgravity

    Kornfeld, Dale M. / Antar, Basil L. | NTRS | 1995


    Liquids in Microgravity

    Fernandes, Luís / Gomes, João / Dinis, Tiago et al. | AIAA | 2004


    Ground Based Microgravity Emissions Testing Of Flight Hardware

    Samorezov, Sergey / McNelis, Anne M. | NTRS | 2004