SHS Processing of ZnS in Microgravity

Abstract

The self heating nature of SHS (self propagating high temperature synthesis) makes it particularly suitable for microgravity processing of material where weight, volume and power requirements are severely restricted. The absence of convection, hydrostatic pressure and phase separation permits the combustion front dynamics and the solidification processes of SHS to be studied under controlled conditions. This paper describes recent experiments on the KC-135 on SHS processing of ZnS. Flame speed, quenching diameter, and the adiabatic flame temperatures of the SHS of ZnS have been determined.