The InSPACE-3/3+ experiment continues the InSPACE-2 studies
to determine the lowest energy configurations of the three dimensional
structures of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid under the influence of
pulsed magnetic fields. In particular, InSPACE-3/3+ will investigate
the effect of non-spherical super-paramagnetic particles on the kinetics
and formation of these aggregate structures that affect the visco-elastic
properties of MR fluids.
August 2, 2013 – InSPACE 3+ continued of InSPACE-3 to include longer test run durations (up to 4X) than previous InSPACE test runs. InSPACE 3+ completed 52 test runs from August through November 2013 by astronauts Karen Nyberg, Luca Parmitano, and Mike Hopkins.
February 20, 2013 – InSPACE-3 operated 12 experiment runs for each of the 3 vial types on ISS to complete the 36-run test matrix. Eleven extra science runs were also completed including 3 characteristic runs with no magnetic field. The 47-run series of experiments was completed between October and February 2013.
October 5, 2012 – The first science run was completed by Astronaut Suni Williams. The vial containing ellipsoid particle with aspect ratio = 2:1 was exposed to a pulsing magnetic field at low field strength. Aggregates began to form after approximately 45 minutes, but rate of formation was slower than observed for InSPACE-2 with similar field strength and pulse frequency. The next science run will test the same vial in a stronger, pulsed magnetic field at the upper range of the test matrix with expectations that the aggregates will form in a shorter time period.
On August 24, 2012, Astronaut Suni Williams completed the installation
of the InSPACE hardware in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) and checkout.
On August 16, 2012 Astronaut Suni Williams successfully replaced two cameras on the InSPACE optical assembly. The existing InSPACE cameras, experiencing degradation due to cosmic radiation, were removed and replaced with two new MSG cameras.
On July 18, 2012 – Astronaut Suni Williams performed particles distribution (mixing) operations and photographed the on-orbit InSPACE vial assemblies.
On July 2, 2012 – Astronaut Joe Acaba inspected and photographed the on-orbit InSPACE vial assemblies.
March 22, 2012 – Astronauts Chris Hadfield and Kevin Ford were trained the week of January 23 on InSPACE-3 science operations and the camera remove-and-replace procedures. InSPACE-3 is tentatively scheduled for the start of operations in the MSG in late August 2012.
October 27, 2011 – InSPACE-3 on-ground
vial samples identical to the flight samples continue to be inspected
on a period basis to assess any changes to the colloid suspensions. InSPACE-3
is tentatively scheduled to begin operations in July 2011 during
July 24, 2011 – Two astronauts, Joe Acaba and Sunita Williams, were trained on the InSPACE hardware in preparation for flight operations of InSPACE-3 during Increment 32.
May 16, 2011 – The InSPACE-3 vial assemblies were launched on the STS 134 Endeavour (Flight ULF-6).
On February 14, 2011 – InSPACE-3 passed its Engineering Systems Acceptance Review. The purpose of the review was to obtain engineering board assessment on the acceptability of the InSPACE-3 hardware to proceed with shipment for flight STS-134 (ULF6 Middeck).
On November 14, 2010 – a total of 12 vials were installed in flight vial assemblies. The team is checking for potential leaks on a weekly basis and will select six of these vial assemblies closer to launch.
On October 15, 2010 – filling and sealing of the InSPACE-3 flight vials were completed.
On April 16, 2009 – the
InSPACE-3 completed its Critical Design Review.
17, 2012 – A journal article on InSPACE-2 results was
published on-line in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
(PNAS). The reference for the article is: Swan, J.W. et al., “Multi-scale
kinetics of a field-directed phase transition”, Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 2012 and is open access at the following link: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/09/11/1206915109.full.pdf+html
21, 2009 – The
InSPACE-2 experiment continues the InSPACE-1 studies to determine
the lowest energy configurations of the three dimensional structures
of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid in a pulsed magnetic fleld. InSPACE-2
completed its initial set of 42 test runs in 2008. During its
initial runs performed in January and February 2008, a regime
of buckling instability was observed in the three dimensional
structures under particular magnetic field strength and pulse
frequency conditions. In 2009, InSPACE was given the opportunity
to perform additional test runs due to delays in the shuttle
schedule. We took advantage of this opportunity to better understand
this regime of buckling instability
Jan 27, 2009 – InSPACE
was successfully installed in the MSG and 7 test runs (#43-49) were
performed by astronauts Sandy Magnus and Mike Fincke during Increment
18 operations. We were then removed from the MSG following the last
On July 13, 2009 – InSPACE was again installed in the MSG and between July - August 2009, ten additional test runs (#50-59) were performed by astronauts Koichi Wakata, Frank DeWinne and Mike Barratt during Increment 19/20 operations. We were again removed from MSG following the last test run.
The data from these test runs are currently being
analyzed. In addition, work is continuing on build-up of the InSPACE-3
experiment. The InSPACE-3 experiment will continue the InSPACE-1 and
InSPACE-2 studies. In particular, InSPACE-3 will investigate the three
dimensional structure formed by non-spherical super-paramagnetic colloidal
particles in pulsed magnetic fields.
InSPACE is a microgravity fluid physics experiment that will be performed on the International Space Station (ISS). The purpose of this investigation is to obtain fundamental data of the complex properties of an exciting class of smart materials termed magnetorheological (MR) fluids. MR fluids are suspensions of small (micron-sized) superparamagnetic particles in a nonmagnetic medium. These controllable fluids can quickly transition into a nearly solidlike state when exposed to a magnetic field and return to their original liquid state when the magnetic field is removed. Their relative stiffness can be controlled by controlling the strength of the magnetic field. Due to the rapid-response interface that they provide between mechanical components and electronic controls, MR fluids can be used to improve or develop new brake systems, seat suspensions, robotics, clutches, airplane landing gear, and vibration damping systems.
Science Background and Objectives
The purpose of this investigation is
to obtain fundamental data of the complex properties of MR fluids.
Specifically, the goal of InSPACE is to determine the true three-dimensional
low-energy(equilibrium) structure of an MR emulsion in a pulsed magnetic
field. The microstructure of MR fluids plays a significant role in
determining their bulk rheological properties. InSPACE will conduct
a microscopic video study of the MR fluid in a pulsed magnetic field
to determine the effect of varying magnetic field, pulse frequency,
and particle size on the equilibrium microstructures. On Earth, gravity
causes sedimentation, which means heavier groups of particles sink
while lighter ones remain suspended. The low gravity environment that
is provided on the space station facility will eliminate the effects
of sedimentation, which otherwise become significant for these relatively
large aggregate structures. A pulsed magnetic field will be used to
mimic the forces applied to these fluids in real applications, such
as vibration damping systems. A pulsed field also tends to produce
intricate thick structures with different properties than structures
produced by a constant magnetic field. InSPACE will provide fundamental
data characterizing the structures formed in MR fluids. These results
may be utilized to enhance applications on Earth and provide an early
understanding of the behavior of MR fluids in microgravity so as to
aid in the development of highly technical experiments.
The majority of the InSPACE hardware
was launched to the ISS on Flight UF–2/STS–111 (June 5,
2002). The MR samples were launched on Flight 11A/STS–113 (November
23, 2002). Experiment operations by the ISS astronaut crew are scheduled
to occur during ISS Expedition Six and Seven in the Microgravity Science
Glovebox (MSG) that is located in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory Module.
The MSG includes an enclosed work volume that provides power and interfaces
for data and video that can be downlinked to the science team while
the experiment is operating.
Before the flight, three primary Helmholtz coil assemblies (electromagnets that produce a uniform magnetic field) and three spares, each with a small precision rectangular borosilicate glass vial, 50 millimeters long by 1 millimeter internal square, were outfitted with the MR fluid. Each fluid sample is composed of small, magnetizable particles of uniform size suspended in an aqueous medium. The particle sizes are different in each of the three primary coil assemblies. The crew will install a coil onto an optics assembly that includes two cameras for imaging the samples from a straight-on and right-angle view during test runs. The cameras will focus on a very small area of the vial, only 0.3 millimeters across. A backlighting system will be used to illuminate the samples.
The astronaut will set a specified electrical current
and frequency on an avionics assembly that will produce a pulsed magnetic
field inside the coil. This magnetic field will cause the particles
in the fluid to group together, or aggregate, and form microstructures
inside the fluid.
For a period of about 1 to 2 hours, the cameras will record the microstructures. This video will be distributed to the scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and to the Telescience Center at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where scientists and engineers will observe the microstructures as they form and change. The video recorded onboard the ISS will be returned to Earth for more in-depth analysis. Nine tests will be performed for each coil for a total of 27 experiment runs.
This is the first time this experiment has been conducted in space. It will provide fundamental data on the way the particles and aggregate structures in the fluid respond to a pulsed external magnetic field in a microgravity environment. When these fluids are used in braking systems and for other electromechanical devices, they are often exposed to such fields that affect their operations. The data from the experiment can be used to test theoretical models of the structure of suspensions of small particles in applied fields. By understanding the complex properties of these fluids and learning the way the particles interact, scientists can develop more sophisticated methods for controlling these fluids and using them in a variety of devices.
Contacts at NASA Glenn Research Center
Project Manager (InSPACE-3): Nang Pham, NASA-GRC
Project Scientist (InSPACE-2&3): Dr.Robert Green , NASA GRC
Project Scientist (InSPACE-3&3+): Lauren Sharp, NASA-GRC
Project Manager (InSPACE-2): Nancy R. Hall , NASA GRC
Project Scientist (InSPACE-1&2): Dr. Juan Agui, NASA GRC
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eric Furst, University of Delaware
Original Principal Investigator: Prof. Alice Gast, MIT
• InSPACE completed a Post Flight Assessment Review (PFAR) at GRC on 3/18/2014.