MRC-Microgravity Research Centre / Chimie physique (MRC)

Faculty of Applied Sciences | Discipline: Mathematics, physics

Faculty of Applied Sciences | Discipline: Electromechanical systems and fluid processes

(Code: ULB825)

Person in charge of the unit : DUBOIS Frank.

The research activities of the MRC are oriented in fluid physics and advanced optical methods for fluid physics, biomedical and environmental researches
applications. The projects of MRC are fundamental and applied and cover theoretical, numerical, and experimental aspects. The MRC has developed essential
skills for experiments in space and microgravity in the frame of ESA programs. The scientific developments take advantage of all the microgravity-platforms
proposed by the European Space Agency: parabolic flights, sounding rockets, satellites, drop towers, International Space Station (ISS).
In fluid-physics,
the activities of MRC are centered on the phenomena of heat and mass transfer in simple and complex fluids. The MRC expertise spans from the theoretical and
numerical modeling of phase change phenomena such as evaporation, condensation, thermo-diffusion, and boiling to the development of complete rigs for Space
experiments. The main research axes are:

• Evaporation: MRC is studying the behavior of droplets, films and thick layers of simple and complex
fluids when the evaporation of the solvent phase is coupled with other phenomena for a broad range of applications, including photonics, medicine, and
biotechnology.
• Condensation/Boiling: Cooling of microelectronics, heat recovery in satellites, and heat transfer in passive devices such as heat
pipes.
• Thermo-diffusion: MRC develops several research topics related to phenomena, including fluids of different natures.

In Optics, MRC is pursuing
developments in optical metrology and proposes new 3D measuring instruments based on digital holography microscopy (DHM).
Historically, the MRC was one of the
first laboratories in the world to develop DHM, and it has played a pioneering role. The MRC is internationally recognized for his innovations reported in peer
review journals and obtains different patents that protect the technology. The spin-off Ovizio was created to commercialize this technology.

MRC,
headed by professor Frank Dubois, has the necessary infrastructure and staff to cover a wide range of skills to carry out ambitious projects. Its expertise has
led the MRC to be involved in numerous research programs supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, European Union, the Walloon Region, the
Brussels-Capital, the Federal Services Policy scientific and high-tech industries.
The MRC is at the origin of the spin-offs Euro Heat Pipe, Lambda-X and
Ovizio.