Habitat Multivariate Design Model Pilot Study

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary modeling method, Habitat Multivariate Design Model (HMVDM), to estimate the volume, size, shape, and configuration required for the design of a space habitat. The specific habitat used for this analysis is the "Habot" mobile lunar base concept.The HMVDM methodology begins with values for mass and volume from quantitative summation tools such as the NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) Crew Accommodations Guide. From these tools, it derives a more detailed analysis of mass and particularly of volume. The estimated volume is input into the model, written as a spreadsheet-based analytical modeling tool. In this pilot study, the diameter of a cylindrical module serves as the single independent variable. The dependent variables include: the number of pressure ports, the floor area, the height of the end dome, the height of the cylindrical portion of the module, the number of floor decks, the floor to floor height, and the volume of vertical circulation.The model affords an array of adjustable evaluation criteria and set point limits to assess the results in the dependent variables. This evaluation provides the ability to analyze the independent variable for which values meet the "requirements" of the mission and habitat design.

A Tool for the Automated Design and Evaluation of Habitat Interior Layouts

“…Apart from designer preferences, the only part of Figure 2 feeding into the objective function not defined yet is the automatically quantifiable evaluation criteria values. Investigation of previous evaluation methods identified that no comprehensive, expert approved list of quantifiable evaluation criteria capturing both engineering and human habitability concerns has been created 6,[13][14][15][16] . In particular, the desire to improve consideration of habitability issues into the layout evaluation is well documented 5,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] .…”

“…The proposed evaluation criteria set is derived from existing quantitative and qualitative habitat and terrestrial architecture evaluation methods and human integration handbooks 1,6,14,15,19,[23][24][25][26] . In order to ensure a comprehensive set of criteria was chosen, a structured screening process was used to assess whether a criterion was essential to the assessment of interior layouts.…”

“…First, a comprehensive list of all possible habitat interior layout evaluation criteria was created from an extensive literature review of space habitat design 7,11,27 , space vehicle habitability 6,14,24,26 , industrial engineering, and terrestrial architecture references (particularly from Architectural Programming 28 Calculated Habitable Volume field of study focusing on automation in architecture, and Space Layout Planning 29,30,31 ). Additionally, several of the more complete evaluation criteria sets used in existing habitat design literature were included 6,13,14,15,24,[32][33][34] . The fully comprehensive list of possible criteria was then screened based upon the following list of desired characteristics.…”