Fluids act strangely without gravity
Zero gravity experiments reveal how fluids move and mix without gravity's influence, unlocking secrets for space exploration and earthly innovations like self-healing materials.
In space, liquids behave in surprising ways because Earth's gravity no longer dictates their flow. Experiments on the International Space Station and parabolic flights reveal that without gravity, surface tension and viscosity take over, forming perfect spheres instead of puddles. This research, ongoing since the 1980s, shows how flames burn differently and heat transfers more efficiently without gravity-driven convection.
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