Interfacial and droplet dynamics at reduced gravity environment

空间技术的应用在很大程度上依赖于流体物理原理，界面作用力是主要驱动力。空间和行星表面任务的成功和持久的一个关键因素是对界面力如何在重力降低的情况下主导流体物理的基本了解。这项拟议研究计划的长期愿景是培训高素质的人员(HQP)，以了解失重条件下界面流体物理的基本原理。他们将开发一个通用平台，用于在失重环境中对液-液和液-固界面上的界面流体动力学进行基本了解。此外，在降低重力的情况下进行实验时体验微重力环境，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，以确定在重力降低时界面流体动力学的特定方面的变化。为了实现我们的长期目标，即建立一个通用的平台，与研究和分析由界面力主导的各种现象的空间环境相兼容，我们计划了三项活动的训练计划，导致至少四次飞行战役。每个实验都将在重力和地球重力降低的条件下重复进行。抛物线飞行战役将被安排在模拟的减重环境中。这项为期5年的研究计划是为HQP(3名博士和5名硕士)提供独特培训计划的基础。他们将设计实验平台，并仔细研究在地球重力和重力降低的情况下界面作用力的基本物理。每个人都将参加至少一次抛物线飞行活动，有15-20次机会在减轻重力的情况下进行实验。我们在失重方面的新工作还将产生丰富的新物理来探索，例如包含不同类型粒子的非牛顿流体或胶体溶液的精确液滴沉积和凝固。这些成果将通过对界面流体和液滴动力学的基本了解来促进空间科学和技术方面的知识。颗粒、纤维、磁性颗粒和电解液的胶体悬浮液被广泛应用于许多应用中，这些应用包含了由流体物理控制和界面作用力主导的大量过程。本研究开发的平台具有成为失重环境下界面流体动力学研究平台的潜力。我们的平台和有关减重流体动力学的新知识结合在一起，可以支持胶体材料在空间应用中的应用，例如在执行任务期间对关键部件进行3D打印，并扩展部件的功能，如4D打印(利用环境刺激和外部能量输入来转换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).