The isothermal dendritic growth experiment - A USMP-2 space flight experiment

The NASA Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), which is to be performed on three of the U.S. Microgravity Payload flights, is discussed. IDGE is designed to investigate dendritic growth under microgravity. The theory of dendritic growth and the effects of gravity on it are reviewed, and the IDGE experimental apparatus, design, and ground-based tests are discussed.