The Constrained Vapor Bubble Experiment: Results From the International Space Station

Author(s):  
Arya Chatterjee ◽  
Joel L. Plawsky ◽  
Peter C. Wayner ◽  
David F. Chao ◽  
Ronald J. Sicker ◽  
...  

The constrained vapor bubble (CVB) experiment is an experiment in thermal fluid science currently operating on the International Space Station. Flown as the first experiment on the Fluids Integrated Rack on the Destiny module of the US part of the space station, the experiment promises to provide new and exciting insights into the working of a wickless micro heat pipe in the micro-gravity environment. The CVB consists of a relatively simple setup — a quartz cuvette with sharp corners partially filled with pentane as the working fluid. Along with temperature and pressure measurements, the curvature of the pentane menisci formed at the corners of the cuvette can be determined using optical measurements. This is the first time the data collected in space environment is being presented to the public. The data shows that, while the performance of the CVB heat pipe is enhanced due to increased fluid flow, the loss of convection as a heat loss mechanism in the space environment, leads to some interesting consequences. We present some significant differences in the operating characteristics of the heat pipe between the space and Earth’s gravity environments and show that this has important ramifications in designing effective radiators for the space environment.

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arya Chatterjee ◽  
Joel L. Plawsky ◽  
Peter C. Wayner ◽  
David F. Chao ◽  
Ronald J. Sicker ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arya Chatterjee ◽  
Joel L. Plawsky ◽  
Peter C. Wayner ◽  
David F. Chao ◽  
Ronald J. Sicker ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Loredana Santo ◽  
Denise Bellisario ◽  
Giovanni Matteo Tedde ◽  
Fabrizio Quadrini

Shape memory polymers (SMP) and composites (SMPC) may be used for many applications in Space, from self-deployable structures (such as solar sails, panels, shields, booms and antennas), to grabbing systems for Space debris removal, up to new-concept actuators for telescope mirror tuning. Experiments on the International Space Station are necessary for testing prototypes in relevant environment, above all for the absence of gravity which affects deployment of slender structures but also to evaluate the aging effects of the Space environment. In fact, several aging mechanisms are possible, from polymer cracking to cross-linking and erosion, and different behaviors are expected as well, from consolidating the temporary shape to composite degradation. Evaluating the possibility of shape recovery because of sun exposure is another interesting point. In this study, a possible experiment on the ISS is shown with the aim of evaluating the aging effect of Space on material performances. The sample structure is described as well as the testing strategy.


1997 ◽  
Vol 478 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Kramer ◽  
P.E.

AbstractThis paper presents current NASA biomedical developments and applications using thermoelectrics. Discussion will include future technology enhancements that would be most beneficial to the application of thermoelectric technology.A great deal of thermoelectric applications have focused on electronic cooling. As with all technological developments within NASA, if the application cannot be related to the average consumer, the technology will not be mass-produced and widely available to the public (a key to research and development expenditures and thermoelectric companies). Included are discussions of thermoelectric applications to cool astronauts during launch and reentry. The earth-based applications, or spin-offs, include such innovations as tank and race car driver cooling, to cooling infants with high temperatures, as well as, the prevention of hair loss during chemotherapy. In order to preserve the scientific value of metabolic samples during long-term space missions, cooling is required to enable scientific studies. Results of one such study should provide a better understanding of osteoporosis and may lead to a possible cure for the disease.In the space environment, noise has to be kept to a minimum. In long-term space applications such as the International Space Station, thermoelectric technology provides the acoustic relief and the reliability for food, as well as, scientific refrigeration/freezers. Applications and future needs are discussed as NASA moves closer to a continued space presence in Mir, International Space Station, and Lunar-Mars Exploration.


2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yugo Kimoto ◽  
Keiichi Yano ◽  
Junichiro Ishizawa ◽  
Eiji Miyazaki ◽  
Ichiro Yamagata

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (39) ◽  
Author(s):  
Achintya R. Bharadwaj ◽  
Nitin K. Singh ◽  
Jason M. Wood ◽  
Marilyne Debieu ◽  
Niamh B. O’Hara ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Nineteen strains from the order Lactobacillales were isolated from the International Space Station and commercial resupply vehicle, and whole-genome sequences (WGS) were generated. WGS would permit the characterization of these potentially pathogenic bacteria that have been adapting to the extreme conditions of the space environment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (37) ◽  
Author(s):  
Achintya R. Bharadwaj ◽  
Robert Daudu ◽  
Nitin K. Singh ◽  
Jason M. Wood ◽  
Marilyne Debieu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The whole-genome sequences of 26 strains isolated from the International Space Station were generated, and the strains were identified as being members of the order Enterobacteriales. Characterization of these whole-genome sequences might enable the identification of potential pathogenic bacteria that have been adapting to the space environment.


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