DSI) DEvice for the study of Critical LIquids and Crystallization - Directional Solidification Insert (DECLIC-
DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION INSERT (DECLIC-DSI)
Research Area: Fluid Physics
Expedition(s): 21-ongoing
Principal Investigator(s): ● Nathalie Bergeon, PhD, Université Paul Cézanne, Marseille,
France
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Device for the Study of Critical Liquids and Crystallization – Directional Solidification Insert
(DECLIC-DSI) studies a series of benchmark experiments on transparent alloys that freeze like
metals under microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using succinonitrile
(SCN) based alloys. SCN is a transparent organic substance in the liquid state that is used to
study the phenomena related to solidification processes.
EARTH BENEFITS
DECLIC-DSI will establish the
fundamental physics that govern the
formation and selection of
solidification patterns. This will
provide an opportunity to gain an
insight into the general problem of
pattern formation, as solidification
patterns are recognized to be similar
to those forming in many other
branches of science.
SPACE BENEFITS
DECLIC-DSI involves investigating the
birth and growth of morphological
instabilities and the effects of
coupling between the solidifying
interface and the convection. By
observing these phenomena in a
microgravity environment, it will be
possible to refine the theoretical models and numerical simulation predictions, which will
ultimately result in the improvement of the industrial ground-based material development
processes.
RESULTS
DECLIC-DSI is dedicated to the study of solidification to improve the understanding of
metallurgical processes. It uses an organic alloy that freezes like metals but that is transparent
to visible light so that the whole process of solidification is visible.
5C19CFD0 – SCN camphor of reduced concentration obtained by
very slow solidification (nominal : 0.24 wt% camphor) – G =
12 oC/cm. Marshall Space Flight Center image.