Enabling Studies on the Effects of Gravity Through Ground-Based Research

Abstract

Access to microgravity has benefits across a large variety of fields. It presents unique features including the absence of convection, sedimentation, and buoyancy, which introduce new possibilities within physical and chemical processes. The dominance of diffusion in microgravity allows more uniform and precise structures to be formed within material sciences. Moreover, the increased influence of surface tension enhances the precision of adhesion, contact, and material interactions, resulting in the production of intricate and higher-quality products. The access to true microgravity is extremely limited, however, we can utilise platforms for simulated microgravity on ground, such as the Random Positioning Machine (RPM). This provides a cost-effective and accessible alternative for gravitational research. To describe the RPM's limitations and performance, a complete kinematic model was developed. This allows new guidelines for its use and extends the access to microgravity across disciplines.