Investigation of Gravity Effects on Electrically Driven Liquid Film Boiling: A Micro-Gravity Flight Campaign in Preparation of ISS Flight Experiment

This flight test investigates the effects of gravity on the electric forces governing the heat flux acquisition and fluid management phenomenon and demonstrates enhanced thermal management capabilities in a relevant environment. The results of the micro-gravity flight campaign will provide essential data for the design of an ISS flight experiment scheduled for 2021 to perform long-term investigation of the subject phenomena and technology. Problem Statement Electrically Driven Liquid Film Boiling makes use of two components of the EHD force generated by the application of a direct current electric field to a dielectric fluid. This technique enhances two phase heat transfer by providing a constant liquid working fluid source (thus alleviating dry out) through EHD conduction pumping and enhancing vapor departure via the dielectrophoretic force. Technology Maturation Experimental heat transfer data will be acquired during parabolic flight. The ISS experiment will provide long term micro-gravity data for development of thermal management hardware.
EHD Test Rig operates on Zero-G aircraft.

Electrically Driven Liquid Film Boiling makes use fluid forces generated by the application of an electric field. This can be used to enhance heat transfer which can be used for development of thermal management hardware for space applications.

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