Zero-gravity simulation of liquids in contact with a solid surface

This experimental study concerns the behaviour of liquid spheres in contact with finite solid surfaces, in simulated microgravity conditions by immersion in a liquid of equal density. The liquid spheres are submitted to axial forced oscillations provoked at the contact solid-liquid. The shapes, frequency and amplitude of the liquid sphere oscillations are determined as functions of the sphere and solid-liquid surface dimensions, of the forced oscillations characteristics and of the liquid viscosity. Some conclusions can be drawn from these results about crystal growth in space.