title: Apparatus for studies of high-temperature chemical reactions in single particle systems.
abstract: We report a compact microgravity flight apparatus for characterization of high-temperature chemical reactions in single particle systems. The apparatus employs an infrared CO(2) laser to ignite 1-5 mm samples while video images, thermocouple measurements, laser on/off status, and XYZ accelerometer signals are synchronously recorded. Different operating modes permit preignition quenching, ignition, and combustion experiments to be performed. The apparatus was successfully utilized during microgravity experiments on board NASA research aircraft.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Andrzejak
authors.forename: Evgeny
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shafirovich
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Arvind
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Varma
mesh_terms: D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006361:Heating / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013817:Thermography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018474:Weightlessness Simulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods