微小重力環境用遠心力利用気泡除去装置に関する研究

Abstract

Bubble behavior in a swirling flow is discussed with the aim of developing a bubble rejection technology for flowing liquids. We show that bubbles in a swirling flow combine in the center of the bubble rejection device, that bubble volume has the maximum value, and that this maximum volume increases with an increase in swirling velocity. However, the maximum bubble volume decreases with excessive swirl velocity because of separation due to the strong swirl flow. It was found that bubbles combined at a lower flow rate under a microgravity condition than under a normal gravity condition, due to the smaller buoyancy force in the microgravity condition.