Design of a Small-Scale Experimental Model of the International Space Station Crew Quarters for a PIV Flow Field Study

Abstract

An attempt at improving the ventilation solution for the crew quarters aboard the International Space Station requires a thorough understanding of the flow dynamics in a microgravity environment. An experimental study is required in order to validate the numerical models. As part of this process, a small-scale model was proposed for a detailed study of the velocity field. PIV measurements in water offer high quality results and were chosen for the subject. Following certain similitude criteria, an equivalence can be found between the results of these measurements and the real ventilation scenario. This paper describes the development process of this small-scale model as well as its performance in the initial test runs. Details regarding the advantages and weaknesses of this first model are the core of the paper, with the intention of aiding researchers in their design of similar models. The conclusion presents future steps and proposed improvements to the model.

Numerical and experimental study of the International Space Station crew quarters ventilation

“…Obtaining flow fields using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) from a full-scale CQ model is impossible due to constructive constraints (lack of physical space inside the CQ, no transparent surface through which to capture the PIV flow fields). The authors' research team uses optical methods such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in one of our research directions, dedicated to the use of reduced scale physical models [12,13], allowing to work easily with such type of measurement tools that would allow for adapted dimensions of the region of interest to obtain high resolution velocity fields [14][15][16][17]. This type of approach must, however, comply with certain conditions of similarity.…”