Space Suit Helmet CFD Analysis Results utilizing a Sinusoidal Breathing Model

Ball, Tyler; Straus, John

doi:10.2514/6.2011-5054

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…The mean partial pressure returned from the RCA to the PGS volume simulator during this test was 2.14 mm Hg. The inspired partial pressure of CO 2 would presumably increase slightly and is a function of mixing achieved within the helmet design (see Ball & Straus, 2011 15 ) that is still undergoing optimization. This resulted in a fairly dry PGS volume simulator inlet stream with a dew point of 2.6…”

Section: B Variable Transient Metabolic Rate Experimentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance Characterization and Simulation of Amine-Based Vacuum Swing Sorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Swickrath

Watts

Anderson

et al. 2012

42nd International Conference on Environmental Systems

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Controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) vapor concentrations in a space suit is critical to ensuring an astronauts safety, comfort, and capability to perform extravehicular activity (EVA) tasks. Historically, this has been accomplished using lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and metal oxide (MetOx) canisters. Lithium hydroxide is a consumable material that requires priming with water before it becomes effective at removing carbon dioxide. MetOx is regenerable through a power-intensive thermal cycle but is significantly heavier on a volume basis than LiOH. As an alternative, amine-based vacuum swing beds are under aggressive development for EVA applications. The vacuum swing units control atmospheric concentrations of both CO2 and H2O through fully-regenerative process. The current concept, referred to as the rapid cycle amine (RCA), has resulted in numerous laboratory prototypes. Performance of these prototypes have been assessed experimentally and documented in previous reports. To support developmental efforts, a first principles model has also been established for the vacuum swing sorption technology.For the first time in several decades, a major re-design of Portable Life Support System (PLSS) for the extra-vehicular mobility unit (EMU) is underway. NASA at Johnson Space Center built and tested an integrated PLSS test bed of all subsystems under a variety of simulated EVA conditions of which the RCA prototype played a significant role. The efforts documented herein summarize RCA test performance and simulation results for single and variable metabolic rate experiments in an integrated context. In addition, a variety of off-nominal tests were performed to assess the capability of the RCA to function under challenging circumstances. Tests included high water production experiments, degraded vacuum regeneration, and deliberate valve/power failure and recovery. * Analyst, Crew and Thermal Systems Division, 2101 NASA Parkway, EC211, Houston, TX, 77058, AIAA Member.

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Section: B Variable Transient Metabolic Rate Experimentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance Characterization and Simulation of Amine-Based Vacuum Swing Sorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Swickrath

Watts

Anderson

et al. 2012

42nd International Conference on Environmental Systems

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Maintaining Adequate CO2 Washout for an Advanced EMU via a New Rapid Cycle Amine Technology

Chullen

Conger²

2013

43rd International Conference on Environmental Systems

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Over the past several years, NASA has realized tremendous progress in Extravehicular Activiy (EVA) technology development. This has been evidenced by the progressive development of a new Rapic Cycle Amine (RCA) system for the Advanced Extravecular Mobility Unit (AEMU) Portable Life Support Subsystem (PLSS). The PLSS is responsible for the life support of the crew member in the spacesuit. The RCA technology is responsible for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and humidity control. Another aspect of the RCA is that it is on-back vacuum-regenerable, efficient, and reliable. The RCA also simplifies the PLSS schematic by eliminating the need for a condensing heat exchanger for humidity control in the current EMU. As development progresses on the RCA, it is important that the sizing be optimized so that the demand on the PLSS battery is minimized. As well, maintaining the CO 2 washout at adequate levels during an EVA is an absolute requirement of the RCA and associated ventilation system. Testing has been underway in-house at NASA Johnson Space Center and analysis has been initiated to evaluate whether the technology provides exemplary performance in ensuring that the CO 2 is removed sufficiently enough and the ventilation flow is adequate enough to maintain CO 2 1 Project Engineer, Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch, Crew and Thermal Systems Division, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058/EC5. washout in the AEMU spacesuit helmet of the crew member during an EVA. This paper will review the recent developments of the RCA unit, the testing results performed in-house with a spacesuit simulator, and the associated analytical work along with insights from the medical aspect on the testing.

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Space Suit Helmet CFD Analysis Results utilizing a Sinusoidal Breathing Model

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Performance Characterization and Simulation of Amine-Based Vacuum Swing Sorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Performance Characterization and Simulation of Amine-Based Vacuum Swing Sorption Units for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Control

Maintaining Adequate CO2 Washout for an Advanced EMU via a New Rapid Cycle Amine Technology

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