Foam experiments

A variety of experiments are performed on board the ISS, for example foam experiments. These are designed to study how foam behaves in weightless conditions. Using the results of the studies, industry may be able to improve their products.

You can get an idea of what it is like to perform a foam experiment inside a glovebox by making your very own glovebox model. Foam experiments have to be prepared and performed in sealed containers when carried out in weightless conditions – otherwise the liquids will float around. Since it is not possible to pour liquids from one container into another, the liquid is drawn into a syringe from one sealed container and then injected into another.

	Foams exist in different forms, such as: •  Food foams (whipped cream, head of beer and soft drinks, bread, cake etc.) •  Detergent foams (soap) •  Bathroom products (showering foam, bubble bath) •  Fire-extinguishing foam (used instead of or additional to water or sand) •  Metal foams (light-weight and very sturdy, used as building materials, shock absorbers and sound dampeners)