Geyser Formation in Oxygen when Subjected to fast Acceleration Changes

• Published in: Microgravity science and technology Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 115 - 127
• Main Authors: Gandikota, G., Pichavant, G., Chatain, D., Amiroudine, S., Beysens, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-03-2015; Springer Nature B.V; Springer
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Bubbles; Classical and Continuum Physics; Engineering; Formations; Geysers; Gravitation; Liquids; Magnetic fields; Mathematical models; Microgravity; Original Article; Oxygen; Physics; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Rising bubbles; Oxygen; VOF-PLIC; Geysering; Finite volume; Reorientation; Magnetic levitation; Initial Motion; Inviscid Liquid; Fluid; Flows; Bubble; Volume
• ISSN: 0938-0108; 1875-0494
• DOI: 10.1007/s12217-015-9416-2

Large bubbles of oxygen are magnetically levitated inside a liquid column of oxygen. Then the magnetic field is rapidly quenched resulting in the formation of a geyser. This configuration reproduces the conditions of rocket re-ignition in orbit. Two bubbles with fill factors 6 % and 15 % were used. Two-dimensional numerical simulations based on VOF-PLIC method are also carried out. Comparison of the experimental, numerical and theoretical results shows good agreement. The method can thus be used for further more focused studies with oxygen for various gravity quenches, fill ratios and pressure values.