Experimental Abstract
A clear need has been established to achieve a greater understanding of multiphase flow in a reduced gravity environment [1]. In order to assure the success of future human exploration and development of space, advancements must be made in many areas of multiphase flow including air revitalization, thermal control systems and water and waste processing. We propose here an elegant and simple experiment to study regime transition and phase separation for two-phase flows in a low-g environment using specific conduit geometries.
Currently, phase separation in the absence of a significant gravitational force is achieved primarily by centrifugal or vortical flow separators, which can consume valuable space and energy. Few experiments have been conducted in microgravity on entirely passive separators and there is still much to be learned about two-phase regime transition, meriting further research on these subjects. Our experiment proposes to study the effects of conduit geometry on these factors and ultimately distinguish elegant and efficient conduit geometries to control two-phase regime transitions, dramatically shorten entrance lengths and achieve 100% separation over a desired conduit length. The experimental setup will be comprised of a closed water loop with air being injected at a known rate into the loop to produce the desired two-phase flow. The flow will then be introduced into one of several test sections of varying geometry where the phase distributions will be recorded by high speed video camera to measure critical lengths, local void fractions and observe flow regimes. Paired with our experiment will be a concerted effort to involve both the public and university in education and awareness about our project and the many facets of space research along with the applications of math and science to engineering design.
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