Project Title:

Microgravity Sonic Pump Levitator Furnace

15.01-6684
Microgravity Sonic Pump Levitator Furnace
Orbital Technologies Corp.
402 Gammon Place, #10
Madison
WI
53719
Eric E.
Rice
(608-833-1992)
MSFC

Abstract:

This project will advance the state-of-the-art in microgravity, containerless materials
processing for production and research. The Microgravity Sonic Pump Furnace (MSPF)
concept is based upon the sonic pump levitator principle that provides rapid position
control at modest accelerations for samples up to 4 cm in diameter while the sample
is being heated and melted under controlled conditions. Specific sensor systems will
be used to monitor the state condition of the sample as it undergoes processing.
The MSPF systems can be flown on the KC-135 or Lear aircraft, the Space Shuttle,
the Space Station, commercially developed space facility, or other future systems.
The Phase I effort will review the applicability of the technology in microgravity
research, will improve the theory and engineering analysis models, and develop a
preliminary design concept.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This project may provide microgravity equipment
which can assist scientific research and space commercial production of new electronic
materials, metal alloys, glasses, ceramics, and electro-optical materials.