InfoSearched
Published -
- February 11, 2020
- 11:01 am
In a zero-g plane I experimented with flames and slinkies with surprising results.
The zero-g plane allows for a lot of experiments to be conducted without the expense of getting equipment into orbit. Apparently 80% of microgravity research can be performed in a zero-gravity plane, which is much cheaper than going to space. The flame from the lighter seemed much lazier in zero-g because without weight there is no buoyant force and therefore no convection. This makes the process of combustion more challenging because it’s difficult for oxygen to reach the fuel.
How has research conducted on the International Space Station led to improved fire safety, and what innovations have been developed as a result?
Fire in ZERO-G!!
In a zero-gravity environment, fire presents unique challenges that are not present on Earth. In a traditional setting, the upward motion of hot air and the downward pull of gravity can lead flames to flicker and spread relatively quickly. But in zero gravity, there is no up or down, and fire behaves differently.
Although fire does not burn any differently in a vacuum, in a zero-gravity environment, flames can easily spread and take on unusual shapes. In order to understand this phenomenon, researchers have conducted experiments on board the International Space Station (ISS).
One of the most significant challenges during a fire in zero gravity is the lack of natural convection to carry hot gases quickly away from the flames. As a result, heat starts to build up almost instantly, and without intervention, the flames can grow larger and become more dangerous in a matter of seconds. Smoke, which would typically rise out of harm’s way on Earth, instead floats around, making it more difficult to breathe and see.
Another significant challenge is the lack of gravity’s clear directionality. Fires will spread in any direction, and the behavior of the flames can be unpredictable. Without the pull of gravity, hot gases do not rise as they would on Earth, which can result in pockets of super-hot air hovering next to cooler pockets, creating unique and unpredictable flame shapes.
Research conducted on the ISS has led to improvements in fire safety both in space and on Earth. For example, a small, closed-loop air-circulation system was developed that uses fans to circulate air through a series of filters, which can remove smoke and cool the air. Additionally, new flame retardant materials have been developed that are better suited for use in zero-gravity environments.
While space missions may sound glamorous and exciting, risks like fire remind us of the unique challenges that astronauts face while in space. Continued research and innovation will help ensure the safety of those who venture into the vast, untamed reaches of space.
