Experimental Study of Film Condensation of FC-72 Vapour on Disk-Shaped Fin

The results of activity made in the framework of preparation of the experiment SAFIR (Single fin condensAtion: FIlm local measuRements) of European Space Agency are presented. First prototype of the test cell has been developed and tested. Confocal technique has been adopted for condensate film thickness measurements. Experiments on condensation of the liquid FC-72 have been carried out. Average heat transfer coefficient has been measured in the range of 880-1440 W/m 2 K and compared to the Nusselt theory. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Rivulet/Droplet Dynamics and Boiling Incipience in Microgravity: Results of ESA Parabolic Flights Experiments

Two-phase flows are present in space applications: life support systems, electronic cooling devices, energy production and, as one can expect in the future, in waste water treatment for long duration space exploration missions. In many applications high heat fluxes are achieved by utilising the latent heat associated with the phase change from liquid to vapour. However, the physical mechanisms involved are intricate and many questions remain unanswered. Three independent experiments have been conducted during the 52nd ESA Parabolic Flights Campaign of May 2010 using a common apparatu