MASON: Concrete hardening in microgravity – Simulations with the clinostat
The MASON project (Material Science on Solidification of Concrete) is investigating the influence of Earth gravity on the hardening of concrete. The aim of this research project is, on the one hand, to draw conclusions about the suitability of concrete for use on extraterrestrial celestial bodies and, on the other hand, to gain possible insights into a more resource‐efficient use on Earth. To this end, German ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer produced 64 concrete samples in microgravity as part of the “Cosmic Kiss” mission on the International Space Station (ISS). These are compared both with conventionally cured specimens under terrestrial gravity (1g) and with specimens that were rotated in a clinostat during the solidification period. The clinostat rotation simulates microgravity, and possible buoyancy or sedimentation processes in the fresh concrete are minimized. The principle of operation, an approach to estimate the applicable rotation speed, and results of a study with different mixes and different rotation speeds are presented below.