Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation

Facility Description

The Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) facility objective is to study the fundamental phenomena responsible for the formation of certain classes of defects in different materials. Investigators examine the physical principles which control the occurrence of defects in manufacturing on Earth in order to develop methods to reduce flaws, defects or wasted material.

PFMI operates within the MicrogravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. Science Glovebox (MSG) facility for containment, utilities provision, remote commanding and video imaging capabilities. In 2020, PFMI was redesigned to include a second cold zone and underwent general maintenance.

The PFMI furnace is a low temperature Bridgman-type furnace used specifically for crystal growth, with a maximum heater temperature of at least 100°C, and a minimum cold zone temperature of less than 10°C. PFMI has a main zone, booster zone, and two cold zones. Sample ampoules are inserted into the furnace, and the two cold zones and two electrode rings translate along the length of the sample. As the cold zones and electrode ring are translated, the hot zone shortens, and heat is removed from the sample to the radiators by the cold zone. Sample ampoules will have different materials in them, depending on the science objectives of the specific principal investigator using the furnace.