Interfacial and droplet dynamics at reduced gravity environment

空间技术应用在很大程度上依赖于流体物理学原理，其中界面力是一个主要驱动力。空间和行星表面飞行任务成功和长寿的一个关键因素是对界面力如何在重力降低时支配流体物理的基本理解。这个拟议的研究计划的长期愿景是培养高素质的人才（HQP），以了解在减少重力界面流体物理的基本原理。他们将开发一个通用平台，用于在重力降低的环境中基本了解液体-流体和液体-固体界面的界面流体动力学。此外，体验微重力环境，同时在降低的重力下进行实验，包括对这种独特技能进行必要的培训和认证。 我们的愿景将通过开发一个通用平台来实现，以确定在减少重力的界面流体动力学的具体方面的变化。为了实现我们的长期目标，即建立一个与空间环境相适应的通用平台，用于研究和分析由界面力主导的各种现象，我们计划在三个活动中开展培训计划，至少进行四次飞行活动。每个实验都将在降低重力和地球重力条件下重复进行。抛物线飞行活动将安排在模拟的失重环境中进行。 这个为期5年的研究计划是HQP（3个博士和5个硕士）独特培训计划的基础。他们将设计实验平台，并仔细研究地球重力和降低重力条件下的界面力的基本物理学。每个人都将参加至少一次抛物线飞行活动，有15-20次机会在降低重力的情况下进行实验。 我们在降低重力方面的新工作也将产生大量新的物理学探索，例如精确的液滴沉积和非牛顿流体或含有不同类型颗粒的胶体溶液的固化。研究结果将通过对界面流体和液滴动力学的基本了解，推进空间科学和技术方面的知识。颗粒、纤维、磁性颗粒和电解质的胶体悬浮液广泛用于许多应用中，这些应用包括由流体物理学控制并由界面力主导的大量过程。该平台的研发成果有望成为失重环境下界面流体动力学研究的专用平台。总之，我们的平台和减少重力下流体动力学的新知识可以支持胶体材料在太空应用中的应用，例如在任务期间对重要部件进行3D打印，并扩展部件的功能，如4D打印（通过环境刺激和外部能量输入转换3D打印部件）。

Space technology applications rely heavily on principles of fluid physics, with interfacial forces as a major driver. A key factor in success and longevity of space and planetary surface missions is a fundamental understanding of how interfacial forces dominate fluid physics in reduced gravity. The long-term vision of this proposed research program is to train highly qualified personnel (HQP) for understanding the fundamentals of interfacial fluid physics at reduced gravity. They will develop a universal platform for fundamental understanding of interfacial fluid dynamics, at liquid-fluid and liquid-solid interfaces, in reduced gravity environments. Also, experience the microgravity environment while performing experiments in the reduced gravity that includes the necessary training and certification for such a unique skill. Our vision will be achieved through developing a universal platform to determine changes in specific aspects of interfacial fluid dynamics in reduced gravity. To reach our long-term objective of a universal platform, compatible with the space environment for studying and analyzing diverse phenomena dominated by interfacial forces, we have planed the training program in three activities resulting in at least four flight campaigns. Each experiment will be replicated in reduced gravity and earth gravity conditions. The parabolic flight campaigns will be arranged for simulated reduced gravity environments. This 5-year research program is the foundation for a unique training program for HQPs (3 PhD and 5 MSc). They will design experimental platforms and scrutinize the underlying physics of interfacial forces in conditions of both earth gravity and reduced gravity. Each will participate in at least one parabolic flight campaign, with 15-20 opportunities to perform experiments in reduced gravity. Our novel work in reduced gravity will also generate an abundance of new physics to explore, such as precise drop deposition and solidification of non-Newtonian fluids or colloidal solutions containing different types of particles. Results will advance knowledge in space science and technology through fundamental understanding of interfacial fluid and drop dynamics. Colloid suspensions of particles, fibres, magnetic particles and electrolytes are widely used in numerous applications that incorporate an abundance of processes governed by fluid physics and dominated by interfacial forces. The outcome of this research and developed platform has potential to become the platform dedicated to research on interfacial fluid dynamic at reduced gravity environment. Together, our platform and new knowledge of fluid dynamics in reduced gravity can support applications of colloidal materials in space applications, such as 3D printing of essential parts during missions and extending functionality of parts as in 4D printing (transforming 3D printed parts with environmental stimuli and external energy inputs).