Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to David Akin.
- Perform fundamental research into biomechanics and human performance at variable gravities using the unique capabilities of underwater simulation - Microgravity - Lunar - Mars - Create limited habitat simulation with various task simulators which can be adapted across different gravities - Tie into detailed design of variable gravity habitat by leveraging senior capstone course
Fabrication of space suit components during an extended Mars mission would allow parts to be readily replaced and modified to meet the needs of astronauts as they arise, without being dependent on shipments from Earth.
The University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) was awarded a NASA X-Hab 2012 grant for the design and construction of a new Earth analogue habitat for habitability research. This work builds on the past ECLIPSE and X-Hab projects at the SSL, by combining these elements with a new habitat module in order to create a single research platform for habitability studies. The “Crew Habitat Evaluator for Long-duration Orbital, Near-earth, and Interplanetary Applications” (CHELONIA) will deliver a much more flexible architecture than the previously developed mock-ups, allowing facilitating faster modification of the interior layouts and available total volume. This will enable the investigators to evaluate crew assessments and task performance as a function of the interior layout, functional area allocation and total available volume. This paper documents the design of this new infrastructure, and includes the details of the manufacturing of a new habitat mock-up module and modifications to the existing elements. The paper also includes a brief discussion of possible future research goals. Initial layouts are implemented using foam-core volumetric mock-ups for internal equipment and outfitting. These low fidelity mock-ups constitute a “library” that will allow a very rapid evaluation of a multitude of layouts. CHELONIA is also suitable for higher fidelity functional mock-ups, as well as short to medium-duration mission simulations. This new facility will enable the examination of habitat layouts for both partial gravity and microgravity environments. While partial gravity systems will be easily evaluated with the habitat currently in development, microgravity subsystems will be studied by utilizing low fidelity volumetric neutral buoyancy mock-ups in order to determine if commonality in the design for these two environments is appropriate. Finally, this new facility is being integrated into the SSL Moonyard planetary surface simulation center. The Moonyard simulates a planetary surface by means of a large sandbox, and is used primarily for rover field trials and suit systems evaluation. This new facility will be a prime element in future Earth analog simulations at the University of Maryland in support of NASA exploration objectives.
- Develop the requisite technology for airlock design via analysis and scale-model experimental tests - Design, develop, test, and evaluate a two-person inflatable airlock compatible with an international docking interface - Perform human operations evaluation in microgravity via neutral buoyancy simulation - Maximize opportunities for student involvement at all levels consistent with educational objectives for associated courses This document is best when downloaded and opened in Adobe 2020 version.