Flowing Sand in Space

Specimens returning to Earth are examined to reveal the details of their structure. They are scanned to produce a series of "slice" images every 1 mm along the length of the specimen. From such data, scientists construct three-dimensional images that reveal complex patterns and show how the sand specimen has shifted internally. Finally the specimens are impregnated with epoxy to stabilise the sand column, then sawed into1 mm thick slabs for detailed inspection under an optical microscope.

All this playing around in the sand might seem incongruous for serious scientists, but studies of such granular materials will certainly lead to better engineering here on Earth and, perhaps one day, on other planets as well.

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