Space&Chamber Effects Simulator (SPACES)

ABSTRACT: There are many components to the space environment, both natural and man-made, that can adversely affect spacecraft performance. Their relationship is often complex and nonlinear, making scientific modeling essential. We propose to produce a structured network of physics-based computer models that will allow a trained test engineer to knowledgably set up and interpret chamber tests that are relevant to a given orbital condition. The SBIR program proposed includes several levels of complexity, from the fundamental parameters and physics-based effects codes to full multi-physics chamber simulation codes. The Phase I program will focus on establishing the framework for the models and show capability for modeling atomic oxygen in a chamber test environment. A rarefied gas flow solver that can model the chamber and its contents will be integrated into the Phase I framework of models. Phases II/III will incorporate many physical models into the multi-physics framework, such as models for high-energy laser impingment, and will involve more scientific investigation into the nonlinear synergies between the effects. BENEFIT: The models in the multi-physics framework will facilitate accurate ground testing of satellites and spacecraft without requiring expensive on-orbit testing. There are many interactions between the space effects that do not add linearly, and a major function of this model will be to elucidate what parts of a test will behave nonlinearly, to what extent, and what the effect will be. This technology will facilitate rapid, accurate ground testing of spacecraft and satellites. It will also allow for more scientific quantification and interpretation of the combined effects of environmental components as the model matures. A fully mature product has the potential to become a predictive spacecraft environmental interaction model and design tool, just as computational fluid dynamics and materials response codes are used predictively for wind tunnels.