Reduced gravity testing and research capabilities at new 2.0 second drop tower

Purpose: The Queensland University of Technology’s has recently (2006) decommissioned a 1.9 second droptower adapted for operation within an unused lift well of a building and has fabricated a purpose built, standalone 2.0 second drop tower specifically to accommodate reduced gravity experimentation and manufacturing.The specifications and operational procedures of this new research facility are presented along with informationregarding the expected benefits of manufacturing in a reduced gravity environment with focus on theproduction of metallic materials and nanomaterials production (including silica sol-gels and carbon nanotubes).Opportunities will also be discussed regarding both collaborative research and the provision of reduced gravitytest or manufacturing services.Design/methodology/approach: The operational characteristics of a reduced gravity testing facility locatedin the School of Engineering Systems at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are described. ThePhenomena in Microgravity Laboratory (PML) operates the tower, and runs several research programsinvestigating gravity dependent phenomena. Several of these programs are outlined in this paper in the areas ofcombustion, fluid dynamics and nanomaterials.Findings: Calibration of the QUT drop tower has been performed, and it is currently used to conduct researchin diverse disciplines with novel and useful results being obtained.Practical implications: Reduced gravity experimentation is important to many research groups workingin various fields investigating both fundamental and applied aspects of diverse physical phenomena. Veryfew terrestrial or extra-terrestrial experimental facilities are currently available that allow researchers ormanufacturers access to reduced gravity environments for their work.Originality/value: The QUT drop tower provides an economical and accessible reduced-gravity facility for useby scientists and industry both nationally and internationally.