Low-gravity experiments in critical phenomenaStudies of anomalous thermodynamic, transport, and structural phenomena in multibody systems near critical points are reviewed. The nomenclature used to describe critical points is explained; theoretical predictions of the thermodynamic properties of bulk systems are presented; and experimental tests of these predictions systems are discussed, considering equilibration and gravity effects in fluid systems and emphasizing the value of experiments conducted in a reduced-gravity environment. Several such experiments are described, and the available academic-research opportunities are briefly surveyed.
Document ID
19870035885
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Moldover, Michael R. (NBS, Thermophysics Div., Gaithersburg MD, United States)