The Features of the Vibroturbulization Process in Microgravity Conditions

Abstract

Recently the task of the intensification of the existing technological processes using the intensive
mixing of different environment, which are characterized by different densities (water + gas, water +
solid particles + gas, water + oil so forth) is actual. The conducted studies determined that at a
certain frequency and vibration acceleration of vibration, a resonant phenomenon occurs -
vibroturbulization, in which the above of the fluid surface air in a vibrating vessel with fluid takes an
active part in the intense mixing of several immiscible fluids and in the formation of a homogeneous
mixture. Shoikhedbrod presented the theoretical model and calculation of the physical parameters of
vibroturbulization process, which were used in the intensification of existing technological processes
(floatation) and in the development of completely new technological processes: advanced foam
materials production, uniform fully dense ceramics production, and biodiesel destruction prevention
during storage and transportation. The paper presents the results of theoretical modeling of features
of the process of vibroturbulization, taking place in conditions of microgravity, and the methods of
this process use for intensive mixing of a fluid with the above of the fluid surface air in a vibrating
vessel or for intensive mixing of a fluid with internal components, confirmed during flight tests aboard
of flying laboratory aircraft IL-76K, which led to the development of completely new method of
uniform foam materials production and to a new method of unique homogeneous crystal growth, in
which intensive mixing of the melt or crystalline solution components neutralizes the convective
processes of non-gravitational type occurring in microgravity: Marangoni convection, as well as (in
the presence of residual gravity) small thermo gravitational processes, in the space flight conditions.