Surface Tension of Molten Copper in Consideration of the Effect of Oxygen Partial Pressure under Microgravity Conditions during Parabolic Flight

Abstract

The electromagnetic levitator for microgravity experiment called PFLEX (Parabolic Flight Levitation Experiment Facility) was used for the surface tension measurement of molten copper in consideration of the influence of oxygen partial pressure of ambient atmosphere under microgravity. The sample was levitated under normal gravity followed by a parabolic flight. When the electromagnetic force was significantly decreased under microgravity, the surface oscillation of the droplet gradually degenerated. Consequently the surface oscillation showed a single frequency of / = 2 mode. The surface tension calculated from the single frequency for the microgravity experiment corresponded to that calculated from the frequencies of the oscillations of m=0, ± 1, and ±2 on the ground.