Fluid dynamics and kinematics of molten metals in the low-gravity environment of Skylab

The response of molten metals to mechanical and thermal driving forces in nominal and microgravity is analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. The magnitude and transient behavior of internal fluid circulations, surface deformations, and globule trajectories and their effects on solidification in the Skylab electron beam sphere forming and metals melting experiments are determined. The theoretical approach consists of dimensional analysis of the governing differential equations. Experimental aspects include evaluation of specimens from terrestrial, KC-135 research aircraft, and actual Skylab tests and analysis of high speed movies taken during the melting processes. Several gravity variations and gravity independent results were successfully predicted based on expected differences and similarities in fluid dynamics.