Microgravity, also referred to as weightlessness or zero gravity, is a condition in which objects appear to be in freefall and experience a sensation of weightlessness due to the absence of gravitational forces. It should be noted, however, that it is not the complete absence of gravity but rather a state where the force of gravity is significantly reduced. Microgravity occurs most notably in space.
Many experiments require microgravity for their execution and, as such, they are undertaken in the International Space Station (ISS). A new press release describes just such experiments conducted by the University of Strathclyde on board the space laboratory.
Producing new materials
Their execution has thus far demonstrated that complex fluids, or liquids containing tiny solid particles or other liquid droplets, may be heated and shaken in space's microgravity environment to produce new materials.
Project Leader, Professor Marcello Lappa from the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, said of his new discovery: "Space is not only a place to be explored. It is also a fantastic place or laboratory to develop new ideas, test new theories and implement new technical solutions."
"We discovered this phenomenon by conducting sophisticated numerical computer simulations. Now this principle has been successfully verified in a real microgravity environment and it will lead to future materials with better properties or completely new materials with properties that cannot be obtained on earth."
In the past, magnetic or electric fields have been used to try and control particles that are scattered in a fluid. The new technique can be utilized to create organic materials because it doesn't require the materials to be sensitive to these fields.
"We have demonstrated that by shaking a fluid-particle mixture in the absence of gravity, particles can do incredible things. Instead of being randomly displaced, surprisingly particles can be forced to cluster and form perfect networks and their position can be controlled very precisely,” said Lappa.
The new technique would allow for the direct production of materials in space for use on Earth in cutting-edge applications. Now, Lappa is determined to make the method available to industry, pharmaceutical companies, academia and research centers around the world in order to explore what advancements they might make with it.
Working remotely
It should be noted that Lappa never actually visited the ISS but instead worked with astronauts through earth to conduct his experiments. He proved effective at monitoring all the activity remotely through a real-time connection.
The experiments showcased what can be achieved when scientists from earth collaborate with their space colleagues.
Libby Jackson, Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, said, "Particle Vibration shows how investing in space exploration, and the research in space that it enables, can benefit us here on earth.
"In-space manufacturing harnesses the benefits of the space environment to create materials that are of much higher quality that those we can create on earth, and that can be used to improve production of all sorts of materials crucial to our health and growth."
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article