Particle dynamics of magnetorheological fluids (fluids that change properties in response to magnetic fields) are studied to help understand adaptable new fluids for use in such applications as brake systems and robotics

Furst, Eric M.

Gast, Alice P.

NASA Technical Reports Server

Acronym: InSPACE-2 
 
Payload Title: Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions – 2 
 
Principal Investigator(s): Eric M. Furst, Ph.D., University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 
Alice P. Gast, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA  
 
Contact(s): PI – Eric M. Furst, 302-831-0102 
PI - Alice P. Gast, (617) 253-1403  
 
Mailing Address: 
Dr. Eric M.  Furst 
229 CLB  
150 Academy Street 
Colburn Laboratory 
University of Delaware 
Newark, Delaware 19716 
Dr. Alice P. Gast 
Department of Chemical Engineering 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
Room 3-240 
77 Massachusetts Avenue 
Cambridge MA 02139  
Payload Developer(s): Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH  
Sponsoring Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 
 
Increment(s) Assigned: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 
 
Brief Research Summary (PAO): Particle dynamics of magnetorheological fluids (fluids that change 
properties in response to magnetic fields) are studied to help understand adaptable new fluids for use in 
such applications as brake systems and robotics. 
Research Summary:  
• InSPACE-2 will study the fundamental behavior of magnetic colloidal fluids under the influence of 
various magnetic fields. Observations of the microscopic structures will yield a better 
understanding of the interplay of magnetic, surface and repulsion forces between structures in 
magnetorheological (MR) fluids  
• These fluids are classified as smart materials which transition to a solid-like state by the formation 
and cross-linking of microstructures in the presence of a magnetic field. On Earth, these materials 
are used for vibration damping systems that can be turned on or off. 
• This technology has promise to improve the ability to design structures, such as bridges and 
buildings, to better withstand earthquake forces. 
Detailed Research Description: The Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from 
Colloidal Emulsion - 2 (InSPACE-2) investigation is a continuation of the InSPACE investigation, begun 
on ISS Expedition 6, providing new and improved samples for operation in the Microgravity Science 
Glovebox (MSG).  Magnetorheological fluids (MR) are suspensions of paramagnetic particles that can 
quickly solidify when exposed to a magnetic field and return to their original liquid state when the 
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20090014809 2019-08-30T06:35:39+00:00Z
magnetic field is removed. This solidification process produces useful viscoelastic properties that can be 
harnessed for a variety of mechanical devices from intricate robotic motions to strong braking and clutch 
mechanisms. Understanding how to precisely control these properties and states will enable the use of 
MR fluids as a working fluid in exploration robots to produce a range of articulated motions ranging from 
delicate (as if picking up an egg) to firm response, and proper encapsulation pressure around bone 
fractures. Current robotic technology depends on conventional mechanical components (gears, dashpots, 
and clutches) while MR fluid interfaces provide significantly faster response, strength, tenability, and 
physical flexibility, to enhance human and robotic movement and strength. 
Gravitational effects in MR fluids are manifested as variations in particle concentration and phase 
separation due to particle sedimentation, directly impacting rheological (viscoelastic) properties and 
application performance. Long-duration microgravity time is needed to study the internal structural 
evolution in the MR fluids in the absence of these additional effects.  InSPACE-2 will provide feasibility 
data on the gelation transition in MR fluids under steady magnetic fields and perform runs using new 
samples with an improved cell design for imaging the resulting large aggregate structures, based on the 
previous InSPACE data. 
InSPACE-2 hardware consists of two new Helmholtz coil assemblies containing sealed vials of MR fluid 
and eight new vial assemblies that hold the test fluid. The new hardware will interface with the InSPACE 
hardware currently on ISS.  InSPACE-2 data will significantly impact design of human robotic interfaces 
for exploration missions.  
Project Type: Payload 
 
Images:  
 
Video Screen Shot of Expedition 13 Science Officer Jeff Williams performing the final session of 
InSPACE operations during his stay on ISS.  
 
 
NASA Image: ISS016E021067 - Expedition 16 Commander Peggy Whitson works with the InSPACE-2 
(Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidial Emulsions-2) experiment in the 
Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) in the U.S. Laboratory/Destiny.  
 
Operations Location: ISS Inflight  
Brief Research Operations:  
• InSPACE-2 is performed in the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox (MSG). 
• After a crew member sets up the experiment hardware and inserts the sample cartridge, the 
experiment is operated from Earth via ground commanding. 
• Crew members must periodically change samples as well as data tapes. 
• Video of MR fluids in varying magnetic fields, pulse frequency and particle size is recorded on 
data tapes for return to the principle investigator for analysis. 
Operational Requirements: InSPACE-2 will be conducted inside the MSG work volume, and the 
hardware will be powered (120 vdc) via MSG. The experiment runs will be recorded by MSG's video 
system. Using the optics from InSPACE-1 already on ISS, InSPACE-2 will visually study new samples. An 
improved cell design over that used in InSPACE-1 will be used for better imaging of the resulting 
aggregate structures. The new cells are dimensionally very thin in one direction which reduces the optical 
thickness in that direction and thus provides better viewing. A new coil is also provided that allows the 
substitution of multiple samples in two orthogonal orientations for alternate views. InSPACE-2 will provide 
data on the performance of magnetorheological (MR) fluids in a microgravity environment, under steady 
and intermittent operation (pulsed fields). InSPACE-2 is not a fully automated payload. The crew will be 
responsible for in-orbit operations, such as sample changes and video tape changes. 
Operational Protocols: The crew will set up InSPACE inside the MSG work volume and conduct the 27 
experiment runs using the glove ports. They will change out the coils after nine experiments and replace 
video tapes as necessary.  
Review Cycle Status: PI Reviewed 
 
Category: Physical and Biological Sciences in Microgravity  
Sub-Category: Physical Sciences  
Space Applications: At the practical level, these fluids are used in electromechanical interfaces and 
devices in which the fluid is operationally exposed to similar fields which can affect their operation. 
Current commercial MR fluid products include tunable dampers and brakes, while future applications in 
robotics, clutches, and a host of vibration-control systems are envisioned.  
Earth Applications: The study of MR fluids on Earth is difficult because the small magnetic particles 
remain suspended while the sediments (large particles) sink. The low-gravity environment that is provided 
on the ISS will eliminate the effects of sinking sedimentation. After the magnetic field is applied to a MR 
fluid, the microstructures form a rigid lattice that causes the suspension to stiffen. The rapid 
transformation of these fluids without the iron oxide grains clumping have many possible technological 
applications on Earth, especially for actuator-type devices. This technology has promise to improve the 
ability to design structures, such as bridges and buildings, to better avoid earthquake damage. 
 
Manifest Status: Inactive  
 
RPO: Life Support and Habitation - GRC (LSH-GRC) 
 
Previous Missions: InSPACE, the precursor to InSPACE-2 was performed on ISS Expeditions 6, 7, 12 
and 13. 
 
Related Publications: 
Gast AP, Furst EM. Chain Dynamics in Magnetorheological Suspensions. Fourth Microgravity Fluid 
Physics and Transport Phenomena Conference, Cleveland, OH. Aug 12 - 14, 1998. 
 
Web Sites: 
NASA Fact Sheet 
InSPACE Research Objective 
 
Related Payload(s): InSPACE, PFMI 
 
Last Update: 10/2/2006 


Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions - 2

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