An experimental study of surface-tension induced convection at reduced gravity

Abstract

Fluid motions are induced by surface-tension gradients on the free surface of a liquid in a cylindrical container which is in free fall in a drop tower. Identical experiments are conducted in a normal gravitational environment. The motion in that case is due to natural convection. The ratio of surface-tension to buoyancy forces in the tests is of the order of 104 at reduced gravity conditions and 0·13 under normal gravity. In each case a two way flow occurs throughout most of the liquid. Comparison of the results from the two types of experiments is made in order to indicate differences in the flow details. © 1982 The Indian Academy of Sciences.