Fluid Physics Experiment on Kibo

Abstract

Fluid physics experiment started on 22nd August, 2008 as the first science experiment on Kibo. The Physics Fluid Experimental Facility (FPEF) was launched by STS-123 and Kibo itself was constructed by STS-124. Afterwards, the FPEF was successfully installed in Kibo. Physics Fluid Experiment aims to perform a series of experiment on Marangoni convection in a liquid bridge in the microgravity. The experimental apparatus was operated by remote control from the Tsukuba Space Center. The largest difficulty in the early phase of experiment was existence of bubbles in the liquid bridge. After several days of trials, a new method was developed to rupture the bubbles with use of the Marangoni effect. A long liquid bridge was formed. A set of new data on the transition to the oscillatory flow was obtained and traveling of the hydrothermal wave was successfully observed.