Investigation of thermal transport processes under reduced gravity conditions

S. Odenbach

ZARM, University of Bremen Am Fallturm, 28359 Bremen, Germany

Abstract
TThermal convection can be driven in a magnetic fluid layer in the absence of gravitational acceleration by means of a suitable magnetic field. The phenomenon called thermomagnetic convection has been observed in microgravity experiments using drop tower and sounding rockets. The experimental results concerning the flow profile as well as the onset of convection are compared with numerical investigations. Furthermore an outlook to future experimental goals and activities is given. Tables 1, Figs 13, Refs 12.