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| Getaway Special G-093 |
| Payload Bay |
| Prime: Jerry Ross | Principal Investigator: Sven Bilen, University of Michigan |
| Backup: James Newman |
| Overview |
The G-093R payload was designed and built by the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEEDS). Also known as the Vortex Ring Transit Experiment, G-093R will attempt to answer basic questions about fluid atomization—the process whereby a liquid is converted into small droplets. Without the presence of gravity, the physics of this process can be examined as never before. More specifically, VORTEX will investigate the propagation of a vortex ring through a liquid-gas interface in microgravity. As the vortex ring propagates through the interface, it forms one or more liquid droplets. The scientific objective of the experiment is to conduct observations of the liquid-droplet-formation process in the case of surface-tension-dominated interface dynamics. In microgravity, the same interface dynamics can be examined in large droplets thus facilitating detailed experimental observation. The data returned should lead to better methods for atomizing fuel (important in the operation of internal-combustion engines), producing metal powders of desired characteristics (powder metallurgy), and aerosol generators for biomedical applications (better inhalers for the treatment of asthma and other illnesses). In addition to the research questions to be answered, the students have learned how to work with industry, academia, and government. These students, who have ranged from first year of college to graduate students in fields ranging from engineering to liberal arts, have gained valuable hands-on experience with a real-world engineering project. The students have handled all project management, and technical aspects under the guidance of a faculty advisor who acts as the payload customer and NASA contact person. The main components of the G-093R experiment are a fluid test-cell system, a laser-based illumination system, a charge-coupled device (CCD) digital imaging system, and a computer-based data acquisition and control system. For each experiment, the fluid test cell is partially filled with silicone oil to establish the liquid/gas interface. The vortex ring generator, which is located at the bottom of the test cell, consists of a piston moving inside a cylindrical cavity. For each test, the piston lowers itself in the cylinder at which point the cylinder is filled with silicone oil seeded with silver-coated hollow glass microspheres. The rapid upward motion of the piston generates the vortex ring that propagates to the liquid/gas interface. The laser system is used to illuminate a cross section of the fluid test cell. The CCD camera captures digital images of the fluid motion and the drop formation process which are then stored in the computer. A data acquisition system attached to the experiment simultaneously records the liquid temperature and the acceleration in the fluid test cell. All the data is stored on hard disk for analysis after the canister is returned to Earth. During ascent, a barometric altitude switch will activate the G-093 payload power and Thermal Control System (TCS). Early in the mission the crew will unstow and set up the Payload and General Support Computer/Bus Interface Adapter (PGSC/BIA) in the Aft Flight Deck (AFD). The crew will then initiate the experiment, just prior to a low-g period (1.0 X 10-4) lasting 8 hours. It is desired that no Orbital Maneuvering Subsystem (OMS) firings occur during this time. The experiment is controlled by an internal sequencer, which will allow the experiment to operate for 8 hours. A minimum of 8 hours after experiment activation, the crew will deactivate the experiment, and remove experiment power. The project manager for this payload is Sven Bilen from the University of Michigan. For more information, visit the VORTEX website: http://aoss.engin.umich.edu/vortex . |
| History/Background |
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The Get Away Special (GAS) Program was designed by NASA to provide a cheap way for educational institutions to place a payload on the Space Shuttle. The program allows educational institutions to develop a payload that is under 200 pounds and fits in the NASA manufactured 5 cubic foot GAS canister. Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD) manages the program. Further information on the Get Away Special Program can be found at: http://sspp.gsfc.nasa.gov/gas/gas.html . |
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