Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Selective wetting”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

ODC-Free Solvent Implementation for Phenolics Cleaning

During phenolic liner manufacture, resin-impregnated (pre-preg) bias tape of silica, glass, or carbon cloth is tape-wrapped, cured, machined, and then wiped with 1,1,1 tri-chloroethane (TCA) to remove contaminants that may have been introduced during machining and handling. Following the TCA wipe, the machined surface is given a resin wet-coat and over-wrapped with more prepreg and cured. A TCA replacement solvent for these wiping operations must effectively remove both surface contaminants, and sub-surface oils and greases while not compromising the integrity of this interface. Selection of a TCA replacement solvent for phenolic over-wrap interface cleaning began with sub-scale compatibility tests with cured phenolics. Additional compatibility tests included assessment of solvent retention in machined phenolic surfaces. Results from these tests showed that, while the candidate solvent did not degrade the cured phenolics, it was retained in higher concentrations than TCA in phenolic surfaces. This effect was most pronounced with glass and silica cloth phenolics with steep ply angles relative to the wiped surfaces.

Wurth, Laura↗

Mussel Glue

A mytilus edilus, a common blue ocean mussel is attaching itself to the underside of a wet glass in a laboratory. It secretes a glue like substance in the form of multiple threads which attach to surfaces such as shells, rocks, piers and ships. This natural super glue hardens within minutes and tightly affixes to its selected platform even in the roughest seas. Its superior adhesive properties suggest many practical applications. One company, Bio-Polymers, Inc., has developed a synthetic mussel glue for the commercial market.

Source record↗

Mineralogical Characterization of Lunar Highland Soils

Ten pristine highland soils were selected for this study from Apollo 14 and 16 collections. These soils were chosen for their contrasting maturities, as reflected in their Is/FeO values [6]. For each soil, the 44- 20, 20-10, and < 10 m size fractions were obtained by wet sieving, with triply distilled water [7]. As outlined in Taylor et al. [2], each soil was split into appropriate sizes and distributed to LSCC members. The Tennessee team has characterized these soil size fractions both chemically and mineralogically, with detailed modal and phase compositional analyses, using techniques described previously by our group [8]. The results of the bulk chemistry of each size fraction of the highland soils was presented earlier.

Taylor, L. A.↗

Effect of grinding on the fatigue life of titanium alloy (5 Al-2.5 Sn) under dry and wet conditions

The principal factors in the performance of aerospace materials are strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue life, fracture toughness, survivability and, of course, reliability. Machining processes and, in particular, grinding under adverse conditions have been found to cause damage to surface integrity and affect the residual stress distribution in the surface and subsurface region. These effects have a direct bearing on the fatigue life. In this investigation the effects of grinding conditions on the fatigue life of Titanium 5 Al-2.5Sn were studied. This alloy is used in ground form in the manufacturing of some critical components in the space shuttle's main engine. It is essential that materials for such applications be properly characterized for use in severe service conditions. Flat sub-size specimens 0.1 inch thick were ground on a surface grinding machine equipped with a variable speed motor at speeds of 2000 to 6000 rpm using SiC wheels of grit sizes 60 and 120. The grinding parameters used in this investigation were chosen from a separate study. The ground specimens were then fatigued at a selected stress and the resulting lives were compared with that of the virgin material. The surfaces of the specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope, and the roughness and hardness were measured using a standard profilometer and microhardness tester, respectively. The fatigue life of the ground specimens was found to decrease with the increase in speed for both dry and wet conditions. The fatigue life of specimens ground under wet conditions showed a significant increase at the wheel speed of 2000 rpm for both the grit sizes and thereafter decreased with increase profilometry, microhardness measurements and scanning electron microscopic examination.

Rangaswamy, Partha↗

The wet tropospheric range correction - Product intercomparisons and the simulated effect for tropical Pacific altimeter retrievals

Four data sets used to correct satellite altimetry for the effects of tropospheric water vapor over the tropical Pacific Ocean are evaluated statistically, with a focus on the period 1979-1983. Satellite altimeter measurements are simulated by degrading model sea-level solutions with selected water-vapor data, and seasonal and interannual variations are investigated. The results are presented in extensive contour maps and characterized in detail. The standard deviation between two satellite-based data sets (Nimbus-7 SMMR and TOVS) was found to be 2-4 cm, while both the rms difference between seasonal cycles of the two sets and the difference between the mean fields were 1-2 cm. Larger differences (4-8 cm) were found between these data sets and those based on operational analyses (ECMWF and Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center). The maximum interannual anomaly in the water-vapor correction was 12 cm, for the eastern Pacific at the peak of the 1982-1983 ENSO event.

Zimbelman, Darrell F.↗

Material growth and characterization for solid state devices

During the period of this research grant, the process of liquid phase electroepitaxy (LPEE) was used to grow ternary and quaternary alloy III-V semiconductor thin films. Selective area growth of InGaAs was performed on InP substrates using a patterned sputtered quartz or spin-on glass layer. The etch back and growth characteristics with respect to substrate orientation were investigated. The etch back behavior is somewhat different from wet chemical etching with respect to the sidewall profiles which are observed. LPEE was also employed to grow epitaxial layers of InGaAsP alloys on InP substrates. The behavior of Mn as an acceptor dopant was investigated with low temperature Hall coefficient and photoluminescence measurements. A metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy system was partially complete within the grant period. This atmospheric pressure system will be used to deposit III-V compound and alloy semiconductor layers in future research efforts.

Collis, Ward J.↗

Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA)

Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA) will be the first materials science experiment conducted in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) Facility at the International Space Station (ISS) Alpha. The launch is schedule for May 31, 2002. Using the specially developed furnace, 10 Te and Zn-doped single crystals of InSb will be directionally solidified in microgravity. A key goal of the SUBSA investigation is to (i) clarify the origin of the melt motion in space laboratories and (ii) to reduce the magnitude of the melt motion to the point that it does not interfere with the transport phenomena. These goals will be accomplished through a special ampoule and furnace design. A disk-shaped baffle, positioned close to the freezing front, is used to reduce melt motion. Furthermore, the solidification will be visualized by using a transparent furnace, with a video camera, continuously sending images to the earth. This allows detection of bubbles and melt de-wetting that could cause surface tension driven convection. In preparation for the space experiments, 30 ground-based experiments were conducted. The results of ground based tests and numerical modeling will be presented. Based on numerical modeling, 12 mm 1D silica ampoules were selected. The small diameter ampoule favors closer placement of the baffle to the interface, without excessive radial segregation caused by forced convection while providing more damping of natural convection. The parts in the silica ampoule include 2 carbon springs made by Energy Science Laboratories, Inc., a pyrocarbon-coated graphite cylinder, pyrocarbon-coated graphite a baffle with the shaft and the InSb charge with the seed crystal grown by W.A. Bonner of Crystallod Inc.

Marin, C.↗

Effect of vegetation on soil moisture sensing observed from orbiting microwave radiometers

The microwave radiometric measurements made by the Skylab 1.4 GHz radiometer and by the 6.6 GHz and 10.7 GHz channels of the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer were analyzed to study the large-area soil moisture variations of land surfaces. Two regions in Texas, one with sparse and the other with dense vegetation covers, were selected for the study. The results gave a confirmation of the vegetation effect observed by ground-level microwave radiometers. Based on the statistics of the satellite data, it was possible to estimate surface soil moisture in about five different levels from dry to wet conditions with a 1.4 GHz radiometer, provided that the biomass of the vegetation cover could be independently measured. At frequencies greater than about 6.6 GHz, the radiometric measurements showed little sensitivity to moisture variation for vegetation-covered soils. The effects of polarization in microwave emission were studied also.

Wang, J. R.↗

Development and application of contamination technology for MSFC managed space systems

The second annual report on the development and application of contamination technology for MSFC managed space systems covering the period from 10 Dec. 1992 to 10 Dec. 1993 is presented. During this time period, studies were concluded which proved that in-process corrosion protection is not required during Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) case processing. Also completed were a series of tests evaluating the effects of environmental exposure and contamination on 2219-T87 aluminum (Space Shuttle External Tank) OSEE response and bonding properties. Correlations were developed between OSEE response, contamination type/level, and primer adhesion. The results showed that the wet tape and water break free tests currently employed during ET processing may not detect bond affecting levels of some potential contaminants; however, the contaminants were detected with OSEE analysis. Finally, exposure/contamination studies were initiated with HP9-4-30 steel. HP9-4-30 was selected for evaluation because it represents a class of metals commom to MSFC managed space flight systems which are less prone to oxidation than D6AC steel or aluminum.

Source record↗

Plasma membrane ordering agent pluronic F-68 (PF-68) reduces neurotransmitter uptake and release and produces learning and memory deficits in rats

A substantial body of evidence indicates that aged-related changes in the fluidity and lipid composition of the plasma membrane contribute to cellular dysfunction in humans and other mammalian species. In the CNS, reductions in neuronal plasma membrane order (PMO) (i.e., increased plasma membrane fluidity) have been attributed to age as well as the presence of the beta-amyloid peptide-25-35, known to play an important role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These PMO increases may influence neurotransmitter synthesis, receptor binding, and second messenger systems as well as signal transduction pathways. The effects of neuronal PMO on learning and memory processes have not been adequately investigated, however. Based on the hypothesis that an increase in PMO may alter a number of aspects of synaptic transmission, we investigated several neurochemical and behavioral effects of the membrane ordering agent, PF-68. In cell culture, PF-68 (nmoles/mg SDS extractable protein) reduced [3H]norepinephrine (NE) uptake into differentiated PC-12 cells as well as reduced nicotine stimulated [3H]NE release. The compound (800-2400 microg/kg, i.p., resulting in nmoles/mg SDS extractable protein in the brain) decreased step-through latencies and increased the frequencies of crossing into the unsafe side of the chamber in inhibitory avoidance training. In the Morris water maze, PF-68 increased the latencies and swim distances required to locate a hidden platform and reduced the time spent and distance swam in the previous target quadrant during transfer (probe) trials. PF-68 did not impair performance of a well-learned working memory task, the rat delayed stimulus discrimination task (DSDT), however. Studies with 14C-labeled PF-68 indicated that significant (pmoles/mg wet tissue) levels of the compound entered the brain from peripheral (i.p.) injection. No PF-68 related changes were observed in swim speeds or in visual acuity tests in water maze experiments, rotorod performance, or in tests of general locomotor activity. Furthermore, latencies to select a lever in the DSDT were not affected. These results suggest that PF-68 induced deficits in learning and memory without confounding peripheral motor, sensory, or motivational effects at the tested doses. Furthermore, none of the doses induced a conditioned taste aversion to a novel 0.1% saccharin solution indicating a lack of nausea or gastrointestinal malaise induced by the compound. The data indicate that increases in neuronal plasma membrane order may have significant effects on neurotransmitter function as well as learning and memory processes. Furthermore, compounds such as PF-68 may also offer novel tools for studying the role of neuronal PMO in mnemonic processes and changes in PMO resulting from age-related disorders such as AD.

Poloxamer/pharmacology↗

Surface Energy Heat Fluxes Using Remotely Sensed Parameters

Realistic estimates of surface energy heat fluxes are needed for the study of water and energy interactions between the land and atmosphere. The primary objective of this work is to study the estimation of surface heat energy fluxes using remote sensing derived parameters under different spatial and temporal conditions. Surface energy fluxes and remote sensing derived data from two sources were analyzed. First, we used surface heat flux, remote sensing, and ancillary data from the International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP), mapped at a 1 deg. x 1 deg. grid. Second, we used NOAA AVHRR (1 km), weather station, and ancillary data to derive estimates of surface latent and sensible heat energy fluxes over a 100 sq kilometers area for three test sites: 1) First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) grassland site, Konza Prairie, Kansas; 2) Howland, Maine Forest Ecosystem Dynamics Site; and 3) Walnut Gulch, scrubland site, surrounding Tombstone, Arizona. Satellite derived estimates of land surface temperature, surface albedo, and spectral vegetation index are used in selected models to provide estimates of surface heat fluxes. Analysis of results from the 1 deg. x 1 deg. grid for North America indicated there were similar, overall correlations between sensible and latent heat energy fluxes versus remotely sensed vegetation index and ground temperature during dry and wet year conditions. However, there were significant differences in correlations between years when stratified by land cover class. Analysis of 100 km x 100 km data (1 km resolution) indicated partitioning the areas in to primary versus secondary cover, with the secondary cover comprising less than 5% of the area, significantly improved surface heat energy flux estimates.

Toll, David L.↗

NEOShield: Design of a Gravity Tractor Demonstration Mission

The Mission Design Division at NASA Ames Research Center has begun a program to develop mission designs for planetary defense. Here we present a mission design for a gravity tractor demonstration mission completed in collaboration with the European NEOShield consortium.We conducted a trade study to identify suitable target NEOs to demonstrate GT deflection, and identified 5 known asteroids with diameters between 100m and 500m that have been well studied in the past: 2000 FJ10, 2001 QC34, 2002 DU3, 2001 JV1 and 1998 VO. We selected 2000 FJ10 as the most suitable target to meet the requirements of a GT demonstration mission.Our GT demonstration spacecraft is based on an ESPA ring main structure and solar electric propulsion (SEP, see Figure 1). The power budget is 4 kW and the spacecraft has an initial wet mass of 1,150 kg. The spacecraft would launch in the 3rd quarter of 2026 aboard a Falcon 9, arriving at 2000 FJ10 in early 2029 after an unpowered Mars gravity assist in 2027. The spacecraft mass at asteroid arrival would be 1,100 kg.

Faber, N. T.↗

Dry and wet arc track propagation resistance testing

The wet arc-propagation resistance test for wire insulation provides an assessment of the ability of an insulation to prevent damage in an electrical environment. Results of an arc-propagation test may vary slightly due to the method of arc initiation; therefore a standard test method must be selected to evaluate the general arc-propagation resistance characteristics of an insulation. This test method initiates an arc by dripping salt water over pre-damaged wires which creates a conductive path between the wires. The power supply, test current, circuit resistances, and other variables are optimized for testing 20 guage wires. The use of other wire sizes may require modifications to the test variables. The dry arc-propagation resistance test for wire insulation also provides an assessment of the ability of an insulation to prevent damage in an electrical arc environment. In service, electrical arcs may originate form a variety of factors including insulation deterioration, faulty installation, and chafing. Here too, a standard test method must be selected to evaluate the general arc-propagation resistance characteristics of an insulation. This test method initiates an arc with a vibrating blade. The test also evaluates the ability of the insulation to prevent further arc-propagation when the electrical arc is re-energized.

Beach, Rex↗

Evaluation of Dowfrost(TM) HD as a Thermal Control Fluid for Constellation Vehicles

A test was conducted from November 2008 to January 2009 to help determine the compatibility of an inhibited propylene glycol/water solution with planned Constellation vehicles. Dowfrost(TradeMark) HD was selected as the baseline for Orion, as well as other Constellation systems. Therefore, the same Dowfrost(TradeMark) HD/Water solution planned for Orion was chosen for this test. The fluid was subjected to a thermal fluid loop that had flightlike properties, as compared to Orion. The fluid loop had similar wetted materials, temperatures, flow rates, and aluminum wetted surface area to fluid volume ratio. The test was designed to last for 10 years, the life expectancy of the lunar habitat. However, the test lasted less than two months. System filters became clogged with precipitate, rendering the fluid system inoperable. Upon examination of the precipitate, it was determined that the precipitate composition contained aluminum, which could have only come from materials in the test stand, as aluminum is not part of the Dowfrost(TradeMark HD composition. Also, the fluid pH was determined to have increased from 10.1, at the first test sample, to 12.2, at the completion of the test. This high of a pH is corrosive to aluminum and was certainly a contributing factor to the development of precipitate. Chemical analyses and bench-top tests are currently ongoing to determine the underlying cause for this rapid degradation of the fluid. Hamilton Sundstrand, the contractor developing the Orion thermal fluid loop, is performing a parallel effort to not only understand the cause of fluid degradation in the test, but also to investigate solutions to avoid this problem in the Orion s thermal control system. JSC also consulted with the Hamilton Sundstrand team in the development of this test and the subsequent analysis.

Lee, Steve↗

SERFE Water Quality Results

NASA has been developing a new spacesuit, called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) for over a decade. This spacesuit is underdevelopment to support missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and also to the Moon. Improvements in the life and robustness of the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) has been a major objective of these efforts. Water quality, and how that impacts the performance of the life support system hardware, are areas where improvements could greatly help to achieve these goals. The Suit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) was chosen as the technology to provide cooling to the xEMU and has undergone several iterations of development over this period. An ISS flight experiment centered around the SWME and other thermal loop technologies was developed and has been under test in an ISS EXpedite PRocessing of Experiments to the Space Station (EXPRESS) rack since November of 2020. In addition to the SWME, The SWME EXPRESS Rack Flight Experiment (SERFE) contains several technology demonstrations from the xEMU project and has been demonstrating their performance in micro-gravity and over an extended duration. This paper will summarize the results of the water quality analysis performed to date throughout the SERFE testing program. Special care was taken to select materials, process hardware, and control the quality of the feedwater used in SERFE testing so that it would be representative of a thermal control system that could be used on a spacesuit for a lunar mission. In addition, the testing schedule, including periods of quiescence in between tests, was also selected to simulate a real mission profile in ways that would be critical to water quality. Results include data and analysis on microbial activity, biocidal iodine, metals, organic carbon, and several other customary indicators of water quality in an operational system. Testing spans over a year and a half of wetted life of the SERFE Flight Unit and the SERFE Ground Unit.

Colin Campbell↗

Considerations on Electrolytic Conductivity Measurement for Monitoring of Ionic Silver Biocide Dosing

NASA interest in ionic silver (Ag+) as a biocide for spacecraft potable water systems motivates the development of Ag+ concentration sensors to ensure nominal dosing. The electrolytic conductivity change of highly-purified potable water is linearly related to the concentration of chemically-dosed Ag+ and could serve as a useful proxy measurement, while the conductivity change during electrolytic dosing may be less so, depending on the influent water chemistry and electrolytic efficiency. Understanding and mitigating the potentially deleterious effects of Ag+ interaction with conductivity measurement systems requires investigation. Issues associated with traditional conductivity cells, which rely on wetted(typically metal or graphite) electrodes, and capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) for this application are considered. Traditional conductivity cells may potentially be subject to significant excitation-induced or auto-galvanic reduction of Ag+. These may result in Ag+ depletion or electrode fouling and associated measurement error. Proper selection of electrode material, excitation parameters, and cell geometry may limit such effects. C4D uses electrodes placed outside an inert, insulating material, with dielectric polarization enabling the production of an electric field and resultant current across the analyte solution. This approach could potentially mitigate problems with Ag+ depletion and fouling by eliminating the possibility of auto-galvanic deposition and reducing the Faradaic current density. However, it is necessary to confirm C4D performance at very low conductivity levels and to determine if long-term operation produces conductive deposits, which could result in measurement error. A commercial C4D system with 1/16” (1.59 mm)outer diameter flow tubing and claimed performance in the conductivity range appropriate for this application was identified, and its sensitivity in the upper parts of this range was confirmed in a preliminary experiment. A concept for a C4D detector that could allow for full rate flow-through using planar electrodes and thin-film dielectric layers is discussed.

silver↗

Design of a Mars Airplane Propulsion System for the Aerial Regional-Scale Environmental Survey (ARES) Mission Concept

The Aerial Regional-Scale Environmental Survey (ARES) is a Mars exploration mission concept that utilizes a rocket propelled airplane to take scientific measurements of atmospheric, surface, and subsurface phenomena. The liquid rocket propulsion system design has matured through several design cycles and trade studies since the inception of the ARES concept in 2002. This paper describes the process of selecting a bipropellant system over other propulsion system options, and provides details on the rocket system design, thrusters, propellant tank and PMD design, propellant isolation, and flow control hardware. The paper also summarizes computer model results of thruster plume interactions and simulated flight performance. The airplane has a 6.25 m wingspan with a total wet mass of 185 kg and has to ability to fly over 600 km through the atmosphere of Mars with 45 kg of MMH / MON3 propellant.

Kuhl, Christopher A.↗

Configuration and Projected Capabilities of the Common Habitat Medical Care Facility

The Common Habitat is a large, long-duration habitat being explored as part of a conceptual study (not an active NASA program) that uses an SLS core stage Liquid Oxygen (LOX) tank as its primary structure. It is intended for use on the Moon as part of a permanently occupied outpost, on Mars as part of an outpost that will be occupied for hundreds of days at a time, and in deep space as part of the Deep Space Exploration Vehicle where it will support crewed missions up to 1200 days in duration. A study of internal orientation and crew size resulted in a Common Habitat configuration sized for a crew of eight with a three-deck horizontal orientation. Additional work outside the scope of this paper is developing a vertical translation system, a crew mobility aids system based on wearable gecko-derived grippers, and a crew seating/restraint system. These systems are all assumed for use in conjunction with the Medical Care Facility, which is needed to maintain crew well-being during these missions, where distance from Earth precludes the possibility of evacuation to Earth. This paper describes recent improvements in the Common Habitat Medical Care Facility and associated benefits for crew survivability in long duration missions beyond Earth orbit. These improvements were made with the assistance of a NASA Pathways intern whose experience includes a tour of duty in Afghanistan as an Army combat medic with the 691st GHOST-T, attached to the 1st and 7th US Special Forces Groups as part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, where he helped provide far-forward surgical capabilities in austere combat environments. The initial baseline Medical Care Facility was developed working in conjunction with University of Houston Space Architecture graduate students. The facility was placed on the upper deck of the Common Habitat in a location that provided privacy, operational volume, and was close to the vertical translation pathway. The notional outfitting repurposed component CAD models from unrelated studies and notionally indicated a level of care roughly equivalent to that aboard the International Space Station. The CAD modeling provided notional stowage volumes, a deployable surface, some fixed equipment, an ultrasound, and a potentially reconfigurable treatment table. While this facility is clearly a competent arrangement, it was desired to leverage available expertise and upgrade the station given the vast distances from Earth to be experienced by the Common Habitat. Key driving requirements applied to the upgrade included to provide NASA’s Medical Level of Care V, offer enhanced telemedicine capabilities, provide patient physical accommodation, provide caregiver access to the patient from all sides, include sliding pocket doors for access to hygiene and to the Vertical Translation System, and to add any additional capability possible for the best achievable medical care. The first step in the facility upgrade was to quantify the current medical inventory on the International Space Station and ensure that sufficient stowage volume was present for this purpose. To that end, the ISS medical kits were reviewed, and eight full size mid deck lockers were placed in the facility. A number of additional devices were also added, based on the co-author’s combat medic experience. Also, two fixed shelves and one horizontal work surface were added to the Medical Care Facility, with the shelves providing storage space for the additional devices and the work surface providing a location for the caregiver to work or stage equipment. Four display monitors were added to the wall above the horizontal work surface, supporting data display, telemedicine, conferencing, or other needs. The existing treatment table was replaced with a mobile surgical stretcher-chair. Two additional doors were added to the Medical Care Facility. One leads directly to the hygiene compartment, allowing it to support medical operations in addition to providing galley/wardroom support. The other door leads directly into the Vertical Translation System. The wall adjacent to the subsystems bay was moved, adding additional volume to the Medical Care Facility. This improved caregiver access to the patient and allowed for a larger number of caregivers to be present. It also provided options for relocation of support equipment relative to the patient as needed. In the upgraded Medical Care Facility, the Surgical Stretcher-Chair and the Vertical Translation System can work together to provide incapacitated crew member transport from a site of injury on any deck of the Common Habitat to the Medical Care Facility. It can also support patient treatment in a variety of positions including a variety of sitting postures and a supine posture at a variety of pitch angles. The facility can also support caregiver office work for review of examination results, private consultation, inventory and maintenance, and a variety of other purposes. A forward activity will be to conduct evaluations of the Medical Care Facility with different medical scenarios. Additionally, ambient and task lighting selections remain as forward work. The eight middeck lockers can be augmented to use as portable equipment carts, similar to a manner in which maintenance facility stowage was used as portable carts during the NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies in the Constellation Program. Trash accommodation will also need forward work to assess, including provision for wet trash, dry trash, and biological waste. It will be important to assess a redesign of the surgical stretcher-chair. The commercial version used in the upgrade can only enable vertical translation in the seated configuration, requiring the patient to bend both hips and knees. A possible redesign of the chair will allow for vertical translation without requiring any bending at the hip or knees. Also, the commercial version is wheeled, making it mobile in gravity but unanchored in microgravity. Work will be needed to adapt the chair for gravity-independent performance. The hygiene compartment can be redesigned to serve both as a medical scrub facility and for galley hand washing. Pending sufficient volume, it may also be possible to place sanitation equipment in this location to clean medical tools. Finally, most space architectures have never allowed for more than one incapacitated crew member, but several scenarios could potentially injure two or more crew in the same incident. This facility could be assessed to determine its present ability to address two or more injured crew in parallel and determine the potential upper limit for number of treatable crew in a multi-crew injury scenario, or to treat polytrauma of a single patient.

Common Habitat↗