Spatio-temporal Flow Structure in Marangoni Convection (Maragoni-UVP)
Research Area: Fluid Physics
Expedition(s): 22- 24 , 26-27, 35-ongoing
Principal Investigator(s): ● Shinichi Yoda, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tsukuba,
Japan
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Spatio-temporal Flow Structure in Marangoni Convection (Marangoni-UVP) investigation is
another of several investigations being carried out by JAXA to investigate Marangoni
convection, a process driven by the presence of a surface tension gradient as produced by
temperature differences occurring at a liquid/gas interface. Oscillatory convection, three-
dimensional (3-D) flow and particle accumulation structure (PAS) formation are all ideally
observed using the Fluid Physics Experiment Facility (FPEF) and the ideal convection
characteristics afforded by the microgravity environment. Continued research and
understanding of liquid flow characteristics may lead to the development of highly efficient
industrial process and products involving semiconductors, optical materials, bio materials, and
thermal transport devices.
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 more efficient and compact thermal
management system, no doubt to help its development.
RESULTS
The Marangoni Ultrasonic Velocity Profiler (UVP) produced data to advance the field of fluid
physics and obtain knowledge concerning the aspect ratio effect on the onset of flow transition
over a wide range of conditions. Marangoni UVP-2 was terminated after the eleventh
experiment run when the experiment cell was damaged during a sample exchange operation.
Marangoni UVP-2R (UVP-2R) provided experimental data showing a strong convection regime
could not be accumulated because the experiment cell was re-damaged. The damaged
experiment cell will be refurbished on the ground. UVP-2RR will be manifested on a later
increment in order to continue the runs not performed during the UVP-2R experiment runs.
This Investigation is ongoing and additional results are pending publication.