Electric field driven bubble motion in microgravity*

The lack of the gravity-driven gas-liquid phase separation in microgravity has severely compromised a wide range of space technologies. The proposed electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) control of the bubble motion in microgravity employs an electric force generated by an alternating current (AC) field applied directly to a fluid via capacitive coupling to external electrodes. Contrary to the currently available direct current (DC) field-based microgravity techniques, the EHD method employs flow- and field-induced forces to drive bubbles and suppresses electro-chemical reactions at the fluid/electrode interface. The overall goal of the parabolic flight tests planned in July-Aug 2013 is the validation of the EHD method for the control and manipulation of bubbles in microgravity. We will present test results at the meeting.