[Unconventional Glass]
Investigation into the origin of functionalities emerged in functional densely packed oxide glasses by thermophysical properties measurements on the melts

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

• The goal of the Materials Design for Functional Densely Packed Oxide Glasses Based on Thermophysical Properties and Atomic Arrangements of the Melts (ELF-Unconventional Glass) investigation is to uncover the formation mechanism of unconventional glasses, which were discovered recently and are not categorized in conventional glass science.
• This is accomplished by measuring the thermophysical properties of the molten glass, such as density and viscosity and by returning the vitrified samples to Earth for additional study and evaluation.
• It is hoped that this research leads to the discovery of new glass forming rules, and bring new innovation to the glass industry.

SPACE APPLICATIONS

The Space Application for this investigation has yet to be identified.

EARTH APPLICATIONS

Data and samples from this investigation reveal how to create unconventional glasses, such as those with ultra-high refractive indices surpassing diamonds, unbreakable glasses, and glasses with negative thermal expansion coefficient.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS

A crew member prepares the ELF-Unconventional Glass investigation by inserting the Sample Holder into the Sample Cartridge, and inserting the Sample Cartridge into the Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) chamber. The ELF is then activated and configured for operation.

To begin investigation operations, a sample is released into Experiment Volume using the Sample Release Rod. The sample is then charged, position controlled, heated, and melted using electrodes and Power Lasers. During operations, the sample is measured by sensors and recorded by cameras.

At the end of each experiment, recorded video, pictures, and data (such as temperature and pressure) are downlinked and sent to JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center.

The investigation operation is completed by deactivation of the ELF.

MASUNO Atsunobu [Kyoto University]