Experiments were performed on the motion of isolated air bubbles and drops
of Fluorinert FC-75 moving in a Dow-Coming silicone oil under the action of
an applied temperature gradient in a reduced gravity environment aboard th
e Space Shuttle in orbit. The disturbance of the imposed temperature field
due to the motion of the objects was studied optically using a shearing int
erferometer with a Wollaston prism and the results of aa typical bubble run
were compared with theoretical predictions. Also, the liquid velocity fiel
d surrounding the bubbles and drops has been qualitatively investigated in
a few runs by the observation of tracer particles dispersed in the continuo
us phase fluid. The measurement techniques are described, and the results f
or the temperature and flow fields are presented and discussed.