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Title: Constrained Vapor Bubble Experiment (CVB) in the Light Microscopy Module (LMM)
Abstract This short article describes the major findings from the CVB experiment performed in the LMM on the International Space Station from 2010–2012. CVB was the first experiment to run in the new facility and focused on understanding the heat transfer and fluid mechanics occurring inside a wickless miniature heat pipe. The LMM was used to map the location of the vapor-liquid interface inside the device and to measure the film thickness profile on the walls of the device. Several interesting and unexpected phenomena were observed in microgravity including flooding of the heater end with liquid as the heat input increased, explosive nucleation of vapor bubbles at the heater end in the shortest version of the heat pipe tested, condensation on highly superheated surfaces, and the spontaneous formation of rip currents as the device tried to enhance the contact line area available for evaporation of the liquid.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1637816
PAR ID:
10570077
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Publisher / Repository:
Gravitational and Space Research
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Gravitational and Space Research
Volume:
12
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2332-7774
Page Range / eLocation ID:
60 to 63
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
Heat pipe Interfacial Phenomena Marangoni Force
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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