Capillary movement of liquid in granular bedsKnowledge of capillary migration of liquids in granular beds in microgravity is essential for the development of a substrate based nutrient delivery sytem for the growth of plants in space. This problem is also interesting from the theoretical as well as the practical point of view. The purpose of this study was to model capillary water propagation through a granular bed in microgravity. In our ground experiments, water propagation is driven primarily by capillary force. Data for spherical partical sizes in the range from 0.46 to 2 mm have been obtained. It was shown that the velocity of water propagation is very sensitive to particle size. Theoretical consideration is also provided. Actual space flight experiments are planned for the future to confirm our results.
Document ID
19950058800
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Yendler, Boris (National Research Council (NRC) United States)
Webbon, Bruce (NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
ISSN: 0148-7191
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
SAE PAPER 932164
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems