Space Habitat Contaminant Growth Models?Part II

by G. J. Smith, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,
T. McAdams, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,
W. F. Ramirez, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,
G. W. Morgenthaler, Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space III

Abstract:

This paper reports on the continuation of work being done at NASA's Center for Space Environmental Health (CSEH) at the University of Colorado at Boulder on contaminant growth modelling for space habitats. The work described in this paper builds on the thermodegradation contaminant aspects of space habitat contamination modelling, using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE - Teflon) as a specific contaminant compound. The chemical breakdown sequence of PTFE upon the application of a heat source is modelled, using temperature dependent reaction equations. An example simulation of PTFE thermal decomposition in a closed chamber yielded tetrafluoroethylene (C₂F₄), carbonyl fluoride (COF₂) and hexafluoropropylene (C₃F₆) as the major products. The model will be applied to a simulation of compartments within a space habitat. The sources and concentrations of contaminants must be considered in space designs and construction as well as their control and mitigation, which will require research and design models.

Subject Headings: Pollutants | Mathematical models | Public health and safety | Heat treatment | Decomposition | Chemicals | Air pollution

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