Corkscrew Cups Could Keep Space Drinks Flowing

holy_calamity writes "A Canadian chemical engineer has a novel solution to containing liquids in space. He has been experimenting with corkscrews of ribbon-like material that keep liquids suspended in their center while in microgravity. This effect is caused by the surface tension of the liquids. The helical containers allow the fluid to be sucked out of the coil in one go. In more conventional shapes, such as coffee cups, interaction between the container and the liquid's internal pressure makes the beverage break into annoying globules you have to chase with a straw."

Comments

Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine?

[PrescriptionWarning]

And also begs the question, what shape would the corkscrew opener be for that? the shape of a bottle perhaps?

whooa

[Anonymous Coward]

Stop it you're totally freaking me out man

Re:I'm interested in how they simulated microgravi

[LaskoVortex]

Surface tension arises from cohesion and not adhesion. The two types of liquids were probably chosen such that the cohesive forces in the experiment were similar to that for water in air. Adhesive forces may exist between the liquids, but should not affect the experiment. Cohesive forces can be calculated by measuring the angle of the meniscus (if the adhesive forces between the liquid and its container are known).

Re:Even better.

[Carnildo]

Why not just suck water out of a sponge? This is twice as good as a silly straw (aka "corckscrew cup") because you could use it to clean up spills as well as prevent them.

Bacteria love sponges. All that surface area means they'll hold water for a long time, and it's impossible to clean them properly.