Big Hydrophobic Capillary Fluidics; Basically Water Ping Pong in Space

ORAL

Abstract

Capillary surfaces can be enormous in environments where the effects of gravity are small. In this presentation we review a number of interesting examples from demonstrative experiments performed in drop towers and aboard the International Space Station. The topic then focuses on large length scale hydrophobic phenomena including puddle jumping, spontaneous particle ejections, and large drop rebounds akin to water ping pong in space. Unseen footage of NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly playing water ping pong in space will be shown. Quantitative and qualitative results are offered to assist in the design of experiments for ongoing research.

Authors

  • Mark Weislogel

    Portland State University

  • Babak Attari

    Portland State University, Rheem Manufacturing

  • Andrew Wollman

    Portland State University

  • Karl Cardin

    Portland State University

  • John Geile

    Portland State University

  • Thomas Lindner

    Portland State University