Hokkaido University Graduate School of Science
Hokkaido University Graduate School of Science
Hokkaido University Graduate School of Science
Ishikawajima Jet Service Co Ltd Space Department
Ishikawajima Jet Service Co Ltd Space Department
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co Ltd Space Experiment System Development Department
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co Ltd Space Experiment System Development Department
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co Ltd Space Experiment System Development Department
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co Ltd Space Experiment System Development Department
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co Ltd Space Experiment System Development Department
出版者
宇宙開発事業団
出版者(英)
National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA)
The measurement of the diffusion coefficient of liquid lithium was carried out to investigate the isotope effects expected to be found because of its light mass and to develop the experimental method under microgravity for aggressive materials. The self-diffusion coefficient was measured by means of the long capillary method. The diffusion experiments in the flight of TR-1A-6 were performed by the use of the multipurpose furnace equipped with six furnaces into which BN crucibles were inserted. The experiment was carried out under Ar atmosphere to prevent lithium samples from oxidation and nitride formation. And the slight pressure was applied to the sample by tungsten spring throughout the course of experiment to prevent the formation of cavity or void in liquid sample. The fundamental technique for space experiments of highly reactive liquid lithium was successfully acquired. The diffusion coefficient of liquid lithium was determined self-consistently by using the set of data at all experimental temperatures. The theoretical calculations were carried out based on the hard sphere model. The hard sphere diameter was determined based on the pseudopotential theory of metals. The experimental detection of isotope effects was tried by a long capillary method, however, the accuracy of present experimental data was not sufficient. The main reason is in the very short holding time for the present experiment. The obtained diffusion coefficient was discussed from the microscopic atomic and electronic point of view.