Rocket experiment tracks how liquid metal solidifies in microgravity

Using an X-ray detector on a sounding rocket, scientists for the first time documented the formation of metal dendrites — branching structures that form when liquid metal cools — in microgravity. Analysis of the images with machine learning provides data to improve casting and manufacturing of metal parts.

• X-ray detector on a sounding rocket captured dendrite growth in microgravity
• Dendrites are branching structures that form when liquid metal solidifies
• Images were processed with machine learning to analyze the process
• Results will help improve solidification and production of metal components