Development of experimental facilities for processing metallic crystals in orbitThis paper discusses the evolution, current status, and planning for facilities to exploit the microgravity environment of earth orbit in applied metallic materials science. Space-Shuttle based facilities and some precursor flight programs are reviewed. Current facility development programs and planned Space Station furnace capabilities are described. The reduced gravity levels available in earth orbit allow the processing of metallic materials without the disturbing influence of gravitationally induced thermal convection, stratification due to density differences in sample components, or the effects of hydrostatic pressure.
Document ID
19910046044
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Duncan, Bill J. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Huntsville, AL, United States)