Student Name: Theo St. Francis

Advisor: Dr. Alvaro Romero-Calvo

Milestone: PhD Thesis Proposal

Degree Program: Aerospace Engineering

Title: Vortical Magnetohydrodynamic Phase Separation in Microgravity Electrolyzers

Abstract: Gas-liquid separation without buoyancy is a common problem for life-support systems, propulsion, and in-space chemical processing. Vortical separators use a swirling flow in a stationary tank to induce a centripetal buoyant force on gases, allowing them to be collected at the center while liquids are forced to the exterior wall. When combined with current flow, as in an electrolytic cell, the field generated by permanent magnets around the circumference produces a vortical flow in a passive design. In this way, the gas generation and phase separation processes are integrated into the same device. This separation architecture eliminates the need for pumps, membranes, and rotary machinery, which are massive and prone to failure. This PhD thesis proposal (i) characterizes bubble behavior within vortical separators in microgravity, (ii) develops and validates models for a microgravity magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electrolytic separator, (iii) demonstrates the concept via ground and microgravity tests of full-scale single-cell and dual-cell prototype hardware, and (iv) explores the implications for Mars-transit crew oxygen generation and water propulsion for spacecraft. 

Date and time: 2026-11-30, 1pm

Location: MK 317

Committee:
Dr. Alvaro Romero-Calvo (advisor), School of Aerospace Engineering
Dr. E. Glenn Lightsey, School of Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Marta Hatzell, School of Mechanical Engineering