Modeling of a fluid surface shape and capillary—tra nsport processes in the liquids under different values of gravitational forces

Abstract

By a calculation way, on the basis of computer integration of classic equations of capillarity with the purpose of illustration the forms of drops of some liquids on a hard support under the earth conditions and conditions, imitating a microgravity or decreased (relative to earth) gravity are calculated. The appropriate change of a form of drop is shown to depend on the value of gravitation — tendency to the sphere shape at the w eakening of g. In this way it’s possible to forecast the form of a drop of a concrete liquid depending on the value of gravity under terrestrial conditions, without a need to conduct difficult special experiments, and that can be of a practical importance, for example, for soldering or welding processes in the space. By way of experimental researches the capillary transport of liquids is studied under the conditions, imitating the state of microgravity. It is shown that at a proper selection of wetting degrees of contacting pairs the system operates as a capillary pump and can find practical application for purposeful selective liquid transportation and its purification under the microgravity/zero-gravity states.