Containerless science for materials processing

Abstract

Containerless materials processing in space to restrict specimen deformation from hydrostatic pressure of contact with the container is discussed. Several containerless science studies are reviewed, including the study of drop dynamics, nucleation studies, metastable solid phases experiments, glass research, biological materials research, and protein crystal growth. The development of technologies for materials research in space are examined, including acoustic containerless systems, and electrostatic and electromagnetic containerless processing.