I. Martinez

Liquid bridge stability data

Abstract High precision computations of the minimum volume and the corresponding shape of axisymmetric liquid bridges at rest, anchored to unequal and coaxial discs, are presented. The tables and graphs provide a standard for comparison of linearized and other approximate models, as well an aid in detecting very small departures in shape due to weak (for instance, electrostatic) forces. Relevance to crystal growth by the floating zone technique in the absence of gravity is elucidated.

Fluid Statics and Capillarity

Large, curved and quiescent fluid interfaces can only be realized under microgravity conditions. This enables one to investigate macroscopic, partly contained fluids having high sensitivity to weak forces. Capillary equilibrium and stability, wetting, convection driven by interfacial tension gradients, the influence of centrifugal, electric and magnetic forces normally overruled by gravity can be studied in detail.

Floating liquid zones

T he aim of our experiment on the Spacelab D1 Mission was to study the stability of long liquid columns under microgravity. Nominal configuration was a cylindrical liquid bridge anchored at the edges of two equal solid discs, 35 m m in diameter. Mechanical stimuli were applied through the discs and the liquid outer shape recorded for analysis. Nominal experiment procedures [1] were similar to those proposed for Spacelab-1 (1983), where by wetting problems allowed only partial success [2]. The same Fluid Physics Module, but with corrected end discs and a manually operated syringe for liquid injection, was used.

Agent-based model of macrophage action on endocrine pancreas

This paper proposes an agent-based model of the action of macrophages on the beta cells of the endocrine pancreas. The aim of this model is to simulate the processes of beta cell proliferation and apoptosis and also the process of phagocytosis of cell debris by macrophages, all of which are related to the onset of the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes. We have used data from the scientific literature to design the model. The results show that the model obtains good approximations to real processes and could be used to shed light on some open questions concerning such processes.