Capillary Channel Flow - Critical Velocities Experiment Unit 1

The investigation aims to characterize and quantify critical flow dynamics in open capillary channels of parallel plate and groove geometries. A primary objective is determining the critical flow rates at which free surface destabilization (''choking'') and gas ingestion occur, emphasizing the capillary-inertial regime. The investigation will examine the relationship between critical flow rate and channel length for complete and half-channel configurations. Controlled, low-frequency flow oscillations will be introduced to probe instability onset sensitivity across geometries and lengths. High-fidelity data on free surface shapes and critical velocities will be acquired to validate theoretical models and assess underlying assumptions, refining predictive capabilities for capillary flows relevant to spacecraft fluid management.