biology and biotechnology

Chaos, Turbulence and its Transition Process in Marangoni Convection (Marangoni-Exp)

Research Area: Fluid Physics

Expedition(s): 17- 34

Principal Investigator(s): ● Hiroshi Kawamura, Tokyo University of Science, Suwa, Japan

● Koichi Nishino, Yokohama National University, Yokohama,

Japan

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Chaos, Turbulence and its Transition Process in Marangoni Convection (Marangoni-Exp) is the

flow driven by the presence of a surface tension gradient, which can be produced by

temperature difference at a liquid/gas interface. The convection in liquid bridge of silicone oil is

generated by heating the one disc higher than the other. Scientists are observing flow patterns

of how fluids move to learn more about how heat is transferred in microgravity.

EARTH BENEFIT

The obtained knowledge on the Marangoni convection is vital for the production of high-quality

crystal growth such as semiconductors, optical crystal, and so on. Since the surface tension is

dominant not only under the microgravity but also in the micro-scale, the results obtained on

the nature of the Marangoni convection will significantly contribute to various micro-fluid

handling techniques in micro-TAS (Micro total analysis system) such as DNA examination and

clinical diagnostics.

SPACE BENEFIT

The valuable knowledge from Marangoni space

experiment is also applicable to the high-performance

heat exchanger and heat pipe both in space and on

the Earth. For future space development, it should be

necessary to design a more efficient and compact

thermal management system, no doubt to help its

development.

RESULTS

Five series of experiments, Marangoni Experiment in

Space was carried out from 2008 to 2013 in the Fluid

Physics Experiment Facility (FPEF) in the Kibo laboratory

aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

A set of new data on the transition to oscillatory flow was obtained by observing the traveling

of the hydrothermal wave in several runs within the liquid bridges created between 2 plates at

different temperature settings. Several flow visualization techniques have been applied to

liquid bridge, and 3-Dimensional Particle Tracking Velocimetry (3-D PTV) was used to reveal

highly 3-D flow patterns that appear after the transition. Conventional 3-D PTV and multi-frame

ISS020E048792 – Canadian Space Agency
astronaut Robert Thirsk, Expedition 20/21
flight engineer, holds Fluid Physics
Experiment Facility/Marangoni Surface (FPEF
MS) Core hardware in the Kibo laboratory of
the International Space Station. JAXA image.