High Temperature Thermophysical Property Measurements in Microgravity

Containerless Research, Inc. (formerly Intersonics, Inc.)

Evanston, IL

Precise and accurate non-contact measurements of the properties of molten materials in highly controlled containerless conditions

• Developed facility and techniques for non-contact property measurements of emissivity, surface tension and heat capacity on molten metals, alloys, and dielectrics
• Developed software tools for analysis of materials property data for process modeling applications (with Auburn University)

• Commercial sales exceed $100K
• New capabilities have leveraged access to instrumentation and materials processing markets with revenues over $1.5M
• Trained and employed engineers and scientists in development of new products as a result of leveraged activities
• Commercial clients include the metal casting, glass, fiber optic and semiconductor industries

• Basic research on materials properties leads to better materials, improved performance, energy savings, and safety, which is important in designing advanced materials and scientific experiments
• Control of fluid motion needed to make accurate measurements of thermophysical properties in liquids is possible in low gravity. This is one of NASA's key materials research areas

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