Faculty members Saptarshi Basu and Aloke Kumar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering have undertaken parabolic flights (several separate parabolas) over three days to do experiments on droplet wetting during parabolic manoeuvres in space.
The effort is spearheaded by these two faculty members along with Prof David Brutin at Aix Marseille University, as an Indo-French collaboration. The experiments involved droplet wetting on substrates in microgravity, with further experiments planned in October and March using complex fluids for 3D bioprinting.
Bioprinting involves a bottom-up approach in which droplets of desired materials are deposited on substrates of various kinds in 3D printing mode, in order to build various parts like organs, space bricks, electronics, point-of-care diagnostic kits, surface patterning, etc. All of these can contribute towards sustainable habitats in space in the future.
Some videos and photos below showcase the advanced engineering design of the experimental rigs and challenges of carrying out such experiments:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jx51audwi3f5ahkk82ceq/AJFI_qd_Xtwu1Uzvgt2AUKQ?rlkey=fnb7qmhq65mv2cvf7prsp1wmn&st=v4gnjll5&dl=0
