SHS processes in microgravity activities: First experiments in space

Some data for study of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) under microgravity are analyzed. This research direction seems to be promising because SHS is normally accompanied by such gravity-sensitive events as: melting of reagents and products, spreading of melt, coalescence of droplets, diffusion and convection in molten metals and nonmetals, buoyancy of solid particles and bubbles in the melt, nucleation of solid products, crystal growth, and sample deformation. The experiments carried out on the ground, under conditions of elevated artificial gravity, during parabolic flights, and aboard the Mir Space Station demonstrated a marked effect of gravity both on the process and products. (C) 2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.