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Posted by Paul Sture on 02/17/07 12:20
In article <aeuia4-1l4.ln1@ophelia.g5n.co.uk>,
Toby A Inkster <usenet200702@tobyinkster.co.uk> wrote:
> dorayme wrote:
>
> > The equation is not good. If the ink is in the middle of the
> > plastic sleeve then there is no easy way to get it to to flow to
> > the ball.
>
> How does the ink *get* to the middle of the sleeve? Gravity? Not in space.
>
> Pens are manufactured with the ink right up against the point. As you
> start using ink, the remaining ink moves along the sleeve, not because of
> gravity, but to fill in the vacuum left by the ink that you've used.
You are assuming the case of a pressurised cabin there. What would they
use on a space walk?
> On Earth, this natural flow can be disturbed by gravity (e.g. when writing
> in bed). In space, gravity is so weak that this problem does not exist.
> (i.e. ballpoint pens arguably work better in space!)
--
Paul Sture
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