NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Flexible Foam Protection Materials for Portable Life Support System Packaging StudyThis paper discusses the phase I effort in evaluating and selecting a light weight impact protection material for the Constellation Space Suit Element (CSSE) Portable Life Support System (PLSS) conceptual packaging study. A light weight material capable of holding and protecting the components inside the PLSS is required to demonstrate the viability of the flexible PLSS packaging concept. The material needs to distribute, dissipate, and absorb the impact energy of the PLSS falling on the lunar surface. It must also be robust to consistently perform over several Extravehicular Activity (EVA) missions in the extreme lunar thermal vacuum environment. This paper documents the performance requirements for selecting a foam protection material, and the methodologies for evaluating some commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) foam material candidates. It also presents the mechanical properties and impact drop tests results of the foam material candidates. The results of this study suggest that a foam based flexible protection system is a viable solution for PLSS packaging. However, additional works are needed to optimize COTS foam or to develop a composite foam system that will meet all the performance requirements for the CSSE PLSS flexible packaging.
Document ID
20080047718
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tang,Henry H.
(MEI Technologies, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Dillon, Paul A.
(Engineering Research and Consulting, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Thomas, Gretchen A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2009
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Meeting Information
Meeting: 39th International Conference on Environmental System
Location: Savannah, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 12, 2009
End Date: July 16, 2009
Sponsors: Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNJ05HI05C
WBS: WBS 903184.04.02.01.02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available