Liquid/vapour phase separation in He-4 using electric fields

Abstract

In space, a replacement must be found for gravity to physically control and, in certain instances, contain cryogenic liquids. A program has been started at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to study the use of electric field generated forces to establish the required orienting effects. Measurements which show that it is possible to apply strong enough electric fields to a liquid/vapor interface of He-4 to obtain an orienting force comparable to gravity are presented. Our measurements span the temperature range 1.7-4.2 K and demonstrate the applicability of Pashen's law for maximum attainable field before breakdown occurs. Some advantages of the electric field separator as opposed to passive surface tension devices are identified.