In space, however, gravity is only one-millionth as strong as on Earth, and these currents don t occur. Gravity doesn t separate metals, and the atomic interactions that lead to a solid s microscopic structure are laid bare in liquid metal, weightlessly floating. Space shuttle experiments have allowed researchers to analyze previously unexplored factors that determine how metals mix and crystallize. The size, shape, and orientation of the interlocking dendrites have a strong influence on the properties of the final material. Dendritic growth can be viewed as a pure diffusion process without gravity and convective currents.
Scientists use models of dendritic growth to try to predict a metal s strength and malleability.
Microgravity may allow metals to do things they can t do at all on Earth. However, if they could blend, these immiscible metals could yield new supersonductors, magnetic materials, or catalysts. Site Quasicrystals Diamonds turn into Metal Strong metal parts made by microwaving New Software predicts failure in Structural Materials and controls Spacecraft. This page was updated on Jun 21, 2001. If you are experiencing problems with this page, please contact the EMS Webmaster .