GeoFlow - European Microgravity Experiments on Thermal Convection in Rotating Spherical Shells under influence of Central Force Field

Abstract

We report on the status of preparatory work in the GeoFlow-Experiment which will take place on board Columbus Orbital COF) at the International Space Station (ISS). GeoFlow focus on investigations of the stability and the dynamics of convective spherical gap flows under influence of a central force field. To exclude the unidirectional gravitational force which acts on earth's surface the planed long-time measurements have to take place in microgravity environment. After an introduction and an overview of experiment hardware preparation status which includes application of measurement techniques, preparatory 3D numerical flow simulations as well as experimental work and the way of experiment data analysis are presented. Also some apects of the experiment operation phase will be given. The paper is then closed with concluding remarks and an outlook on possible future GeoFlow reflight campaigns.