An experimental study of the effect of vibrations on supercritical fluid transfer processes under microgravity conditions

On the basis of the data obtained in experiments onboard the Mir orbital co mplex (OC) in March and April 1999 with the ALICE-2 instrument, the influen ce of vibrations on heat propagation from a point-like source in the hexafl uoride sulfur (SF6) under supercritical parameters is analyzed. The appeara nce of two different heat propagation regimes is found: along and across th e direction of vibrations. Upon the occurrence of the second-type regime, t he heating region first stretches in the direction perpendicular to the dir ection of vibrations and then propagates at a rate typical for the undistur bed case. The temperature relaxation process is analyzed, which takes place near the heater after its turn-off. The relaxation rate grows as the inten sity of vibrations increases and the initial temperature tends to the criti cal one. The determining dimensionless parameters of the problem are sugges ted.