Examination of the Disintegration of Liquid and Slurry Ligaments underMicrogravity Conditions

摘要

Experiments were carried out under reduced gravity conditions to evaluate thesurface tension driven and viscosity resisted formation of drops from cylindrical shaped fluids (ligaments). The fluids tested were water, water plus carboxymethyl cellulose at three concentrations (pseudoplastic without thixotropy), and a 70 weight percent coal coal/water slurry (pseudoplastic with thixotropy). The fluid ligaments were generated with zero velocity in relation to the data acquisition system. The drop formation data were collected by video recording. The rheological properties of the fluids were evaluated using a Searle type rotational viscosimeter at shear rates up to 450/s. The surface tension of the fluids was measured using both a ring and a drop weight type apparatus. The number of drops formed was insufficient for allowing statistically significant correlations to be developed with dimensionless parameters such as the Reynolds, Weber, and Ohnesorge numbers. Modifications to the experimental apparatus have been recommended which will improve its operation.