Dynamics of free drops on USML-1

Abstract

Drop-dynamics experiments are described in terms of scope and methodology that are designed for the USML-1 flight. Included are experiments regarding: (1) the equilibrium shapes of acoustically rotated drops; (2) large-amplitude drop and bubble-shape oscillations; (3) the collision and coalescence of free drops; and (4) the deformation and instability of levitated drops. The space flight is concluded to provide an effective containerless microgravity environment for studying linear and nonlinear dynamics.