Analysis of velocity data taken in Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment in microgravity

Some velocity field results from the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE) that was conducted aboard the USML-1 Spacelab in 1992 are reported. 10 cSt silicone oil was placed in an open circular container (10 cm wide×5 cm deep) and heated either by a cylindrical heater (1.11 cm diam) placed along the centerline or by a CO2 laser to induce thermocapillary flow. Tests were conducted under varieties of powers, laser beam diameters, and free-surface shapes. The flow field was studied by flow visualization and the data were analyzed by a PIV technique. The results from the velocity measurement are presented and the effects of heating mode and free-surface shape on the flow are discussed. The results are also compared with a numerical analysis conducted in conjunction with the experiment. Good agreement is shown.