Modeling and Simulation for Combined Space Environment Chambers

ABSTRACT: The objective of this Phase II Program is to continue the development of a Source Analysis and Modeling System (SAMS) for the AEDC STAT space effects test facility. SAMS will allow the test facility user to carry out high fidelity simulations of STAT source emissions onto test articles and to investigate secondary source effects when interacting with other chamber systems. The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo code Monaco is chosen for the dynamical simulation, and modified as necessary for the specific STAT source parameters and configurations. A magnetic field capability was developed and successfully integrated in Phase I in order to handle ions that are also present. A sufficiently detailed STAT chamber geometry is used to create the space mesh using Pointwise. The Phase II Program will develop and finalize source models for the STAT atomic oxygen, electron, and proton sources. Source model fidelity will be assessed and improved using STAT source and diagnostic test data. The SAMS modular and extendible architecture will be designed for additional source model integration on future programs. BENEFIT: The SAMS derivative commercial product could be licensed to a modeling and simulation software company that is currently marketing and distributing software products to the customer base of interest. This could be the best approach for sales and distribution. Modeling and simulation markets that we will target include the following. Space simulation chambers are maintained and operated by most large US defense and aerospace contractors, as well as at several NASA facilities. Of these chambers, tens have ionizing radiation and particle beam sources used to evaluate systems under test for performance in harsh space environments. Modeling codes are typically used to predict system performance and establish test exposure levels, so the STAT SAMS and/or Source Models or variants could be used by these various agencies and contractors in test planning, predictive system assessments, or in system analysis and refinement. Some US allies are also involved at various levels in the development, testing, and performance assessment of space payloads. Countries such as ESA members, Canada and Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others who maintain test and evaluation chambers could be customers of the modeling code. Internet sales of a commercial code could open a variety of otherwise unreachable markets around the world. Electron beam tomography, photolithography, and welding are moderate size industries that have various needs for modeling and simulation of beam propagation, target effects, and secondary phenomena. Proton beams are now used for radiotherapy and surgery, such as for prostate cancer. Various ion beams are using in milling, machining, etching, deposition, and sputtering production lines.