The Advanced Foam Materials Production in Microgravity using the Process of Vibroturbulization

Abstract

Recently, the task of the intensification of the existing technological processes using the intensive
mixing of different environment, which are characterized by different densities (water + gas, water +
solid particles + gas, water + oil so forth) is actual. The conducted studies determined that at a
certain frequency and vibration acceleration of vibration, a resonant phenomenon occurs—
vibroturbulization, in which the above of the fluid surface air in a vibrating vessel with fluid takes an
active part in the intense mixing of several immiscible fluids and in the formation of a homogeneous
mixture. Shoikhedbrod presented the theoretical model and calculation of the physical parameters of
vibroturbulization process, which were used in the intensification of existing technological processes
(floatation) and in the development of completely new technological processes: advanced foam
materials production, uniform fully dense ceramics production, and biodiesel destruction prevention
during storage and transportation. The paper presents the results of theoretical modeling of features
of the process of vibroturbulization, taking place in conditions of microgravity, which permitted to
develop a new method of an advanced foam materials production in microgravity using the above of
the matrix melt surface air from microdispersed air bubbles in a vibrating vessel as a filler and
purposeful injection of the “working pillow” from microdispersed air bubbles, formed in the process
of vibroturbulization, into the matrix melt by increasing of the vibration frequency as foaming of the
matrix melt by a filler. The practical realization of the developed method in microgravity conditions
was confirmed during of tests aboard of flying laboratory aircraft IL-76K.