Abstract

The objective of this study is to refine the understanding of micro-fluidics subject to micro-gravity in an attempt to support future space exploration efforts. A combination of experimental and numerical approaches were utilized to build a validated assessment approach. A quasi-pore geometry, inspired by CT scans of rat bones, was used in lieu of human bone structures. A quasi-1D assessment of the conservation of momentum was used to identify the dominant forces acting on the fluid at the operating length-scales. The dominant forces were surface tension, gravity, and shear stress. Experiments were conducted to visualize the flow moving through the quasi-pore geometry. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to create a corresponding model of the experiments in order to illicit further insight. The CFD models were validated by using micro-fluidic experiments. Once validated, the CFD model was also used to study micro-fluids in micro-gravity conditions. The results showed that gravity has a significant effect on the flow pattern of fluids through micro-fluidic porous features. The results can be correlated to the fluid flow through bone pores on Earth versus in micro-gravity. This suggests that interstitial fluid flow is influenced by the effects of micro-gravity leading to physiological changes in astronaut bones.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2022

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Kinzel, Michael

Degree

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (M.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering; Space System Design and Engineering

Identifier

CFE0009213; DP0026816

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0026816

Language

English

Release Date

August 2022

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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