This is an acid test to show which, if any, current combustion models should be used. Three runs of the Droplet Combustion Experiment were completed overnight. The experiment is collecting information on burning rates of flames, flame structures and conditions under which flames are extinguished. The experiment involves burning a droplet of heptane fuel at different atmospheric pressures. Last night's run was at one-half atmospheric pressure, half of that on Earth, in a mixture of helium and 25 percent oxygen.
Timing is critical.
Results of this investigation will also provide researchers with a better understanding of how combustion occurs and may lead to cleaner and safer ways to burn fuels as well as more efficient methods of generating heat and power on Earth. The experiment is studying glass formation in zirconium-based metals. The experiment had been given additional run time, however, so although it ended early it completed the full originally scheduled run. During the experiment, the melts will be cooled below their freezing points. Researchers are interested in determining the temperatures at which nucleation occurs and how many nucleations occur at each temperature.