just wondering how the viscosity properties would work in zero gravity.
2007-09-04 07:24:57 · 5 answers · asked by ron197192064 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
My bad I asked the question wrong. Not for propulsion....like pumps for onboard testing...pump for the toilet, there still needs to be lubrication for the moving parts...any motors on the shuttle? What about a generator or are they all on battery for electrical power?
2007-09-04 07:45:25 · update #1
The shuttle's main engines have powerful fuel pumps driven by a steam turbine. That system uses lubricants.
In addition, there are numerous fans, pumps, and actuators that require lubrication.
For all of these purposes, the shuttle uses silicone lubricants developed specifically for use in spacecraft. The properties of silicone lubricants are minimally effected by a wide range of temperatures and ambient pressures.
2007-09-04 11:04:56 · answer #1 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Yes. From the web: "The trouble was not unfamiliar. "We have had a history of contaminants clogging the system," admitted a technician at Kennedy. NASA engineers had even included a bypass around the oil filters just in case. Such clogging is usually caused by a leak in liquid hydrazine, the auxiliary power units' fuel. Hydrazine reacts with lubricating oil to form waxy polymers, or gunk. Despite this hazard, prelaunch preparations did not include an oil change; the two jammed systems were running on the same oil used in last April's shuttle mission. Significantly, the oil in the one working system was fresh."
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,953183,00.html?promoid=googlep
2007-09-04 08:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Viscosity is the same in zero-g. It isn't dependent on gravity. Viscosity is mainly just the magnitude of attraction of fluid particles to other fluid particles.
2007-09-04 07:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, their fuel pumps & fan motors probably use some sort of lubrication.
2007-09-04 07:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. To launch into space the shuttle uses solid rocket boosters. While in space the shuttle uses rocket propelled thrusters to adjust its orbit. On the return to earth it relies on gravity and parachutes to land.
2007-09-04 07:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by London Catlover 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋