SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of the proposed research is to create a state-of-the-art, human thermal model that predicts crew member induced loads for evaluating a (long-distance) exploration vehicle’s thermal control, environmental control, and life support systems, including for conceptual and early design modeling. To accomplish this, ThermoAnalytics will adapt its widely-used, actively-developed, commercial-off-the-shelf Human Thermal Model for use with the Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer (SINDA). Specifically, we will create an interface between the TAITherm HTM and Thermal Desktop, which is a front-end to SINDA. The resulting co-simulation will provide conjugate assessments of crew-induced loads and vehicle thermal control systems, predicting the human crew’s (HTM) requirements of the exploration vehicle (TD) as they produce heat, moisture, and gasses (CO2) and consume O2. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The proposed research will be targeted for use by the NASA Crew and Thermal Systems Division for simulation of Life Support Systems during long duration missions. This includes Environmental Control Systems thermal performance studies, which can be limited by moisture under extreme conditions. Other potential NASA applications are improved modeling and testing of EVA spacesuit technology and the simulation of cooling vests or wearable electronics that have unique challenges due to the interaction with the human thermoregulatory system. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The US DoD (Army Natick Soldier Center, Navy SOCOM) is interested in simulating the thermal effects of high activity levels and the impact of sweat and moisture transport on clothing system insulation. For commercial customers, simulation of high activity levels is of interest for sportswear and advanced textile companies (i.e., W.L. Gore, Nike) and wearable electronics manufacturers.

The objective of the proposed research is to create a state-of-the-art, human thermal model that predicts crew member induced loads for evaluating a (long-distance) exploration vehicle’s thermal control, environmental control, and life support systems, including for conceptual and early design modeling. To accomplish this, ThermoAnalytics will adapt its widely-used, actively-developed, commercial-off-the-shelf Human Thermal Model for use with the Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer (SINDA). Specifically, we will create an interface between the TAITherm HTM and Thermal Desktop, which is a front-end to SINDA. The resulting co-simulation will provide conjugate assessments of crew-induced loads and vehicle thermal control systems, predicting the human crew’s (HTM) requirements of the exploration vehicle (TD) as they produce heat, moisture, and gasses (CO2) and consume O2. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The proposed research will be targeted for use by the NASA Crew and Thermal Systems Division for simulation of Life Support Systems during long duration missions. This includes Environmental Control Systems thermal performance studies, which can be limited by moisture under extreme conditions. Other potential NASA applications are improved modeling and testing of EVA spacesuit technology and the simulation of cooling vests or wearable electronics that have unique challenges due to the interaction with the human thermoregulatory system. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The US DoD (Army Natick Soldier Center, Navy SOCOM) is interested in simulating the thermal effects of high activity levels and the impact of sweat and moisture transport on clothing system insulation. For commercial customers, simulation of high activity levels is of interest for sportswear and advanced textile companies (i.e., W.L. Gore, Nike) and wearable electronics manufacturers. Duration: 24