EQUILIBRIUM FLUID CONFIGURATIONS IN LOW GRAVITY

An examination of the axisymmetric equilibrium configurations of fluid systems in cylindrical containers in an arbitrary gravity field has b een undertaken. The derived theory allows the effects of gravity on an interface shape to be quantified. When these effects may be neglected , the resulting predictions for equilibrium are contrary to those of p revious theories. The theoretical approach adopted herein leads to the prediction that the equilibrium configuration is dependent on the con tact angle and on the amount of fluid in the container. These predicti ons have been examined through a series of experiments conducted in a drop shaft, and the results support the new theoretical approach. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.