Earth And Space Science Project Abstract
IMSANAUTS: POLYMER QUENCHING IN MICROGRAVITY
Presenters:
Mallory L. Chua, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; bookme13@imsa.edu
Isaac L. Han, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; madravob@imsa.edu
Advisors:
Dr. Robert Brazzle, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 Sullivan Road, Excellence 2000, Aurora, IL, 60506; brazzle@imsa.edu
Mr. Michael Lindenmeyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506-1000; 630-907-5959; 5976; tfilm@imsa.edu
Mr. Ray Urbanski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Grainger Inventors Workshop, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5959; rurbanski@imsa.edu
Abstract:
In conjunction with Drexel's microgravity team, we are studying the properties of polyethylene oxide (PEO) when formed by a melt. Our experiment focuses on the effects of rapid cooling of material, a process known as quenching. By isolating and removing the influence of gravity during the cooling period, the fluid model is greatly simplified, since all forces act symmetrically within the fluid as opposed to having a constant external directional acceleration. Due to the elimination of gravitational stresses, the volumetric and microstructural properties of the resulting PEO material may be affected, along with the density distribution of its molecular chains. We have been designing and constructing an experiment rig to produce samples in microgravity for this study. It will be flown with Drexel's experiment this summer on one of NASAs "Vomit Comet" planes in Houston. Detailed information on microstructure of rapidly cooled objects, particularly polymers, may aid in the understanding of the process of quenching.