CFD Evaluation of Directional Variation Effects of the Air Supply Diffuser for the International Space Station Cabin Atmosphere

¹ Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 195251, Russia
² The Boeing Company, Houston, TX, 77059, USA
³ New Technologies and Services, St. Petersburg, 197198, Russia

^* Corresponding author: ivanov_ng@spbstu.ru

Abstract

The International Space Station (ISS) crew health and safety depend on ventilation system performance. The ISS ventilation system comprises of numerous air supply diffusers. For each ISS module design of the ventilation system and, in particular, supply diffuser distribution and configuration, is based on the assumption that the cabin aisle way is clear of any objects. However, on-orbit operations could lead to short- or long-term blockage of the area near the air supply diffuser due to some items or stowed bags necessary for the station operation. Partial blockage of the diffuser could disrupt the free jet airflow or change its intended direction. The current contribution is devoted to examination of the ISS research module – the U.S. Laboratory – ventilation system performance in case of partial inlet diffuser blockage with objects, such as Cargo Transfer Bag. The goal of the study is to assess the localized effects when the blockage occurs in the module interior for a possible stagnant zones formation. The paper presents detailed analysis of the diffuser blockage effects on airflow characteristics in various zones in the ISS habitat.