THE MIGRATION OF DROPLETS IN A TEMPERATURE-GRADIENT

The results of two Fluid Physics experiments on thermocapillary droplet motion under reduced gravity and of Earth-bound experiments using simulation liquids are presented and the experimental set-up and conditions are described in some detail. The microgravity experiments have been carried out in a sounding rocket, providing approx. 7 min of reduced gravity per launch. The experiments distinctly demonstrate thermocapillary droplet motion in microgravity. Experimental data are discussed and compared with theoretical predictions. © 1990.