Three-dimensional (3D) experimental realization and observation of a granular gas in microgravity

Experiments with granular gases do not only provide statistical information on multi-particle systems undergoing random dissipative interactions, they may also help to test predictions of numerical simulations and to gain understanding of the self-organization of dilute granular matter to clusters and stable assemblies. We shortly review an experiment under zero gravity conditions on different platforms. Implementations on a sounding rocket flight, parabolic flights and drop tower shots are analyzed. We evaluate general experimental requirements, judge the appropriateness of the different platforms, and present quantitative results.