Air Quality Simulation and Assessment (Aqsa) Model

An air quality simulation and assessment (AQSA) model was developed to simulate/evaluate the integrated system performance and obtain air quality characteristics and air contaminants inside the habitable compartments. This model applies both fixed control volume and quasi-steady-state approach for a multi-volume system to assess system performance, operating constraints, and capabilities. The model also integrates a state-of-the-art probabilistic analysis tool, UNIPASS, to compute failure probability due to the uncertainties of variables. In addition, this integrated model also predicts the most likely outcomes for analyzing risks and uncertainties as well as for quantitative toxicological evaluation. This model has been successfully and independently corrected/verified by NASA/JSC to be a very effective, reliable, and accurate tool, while providing savings in both the cost and time of the analysis. A minimum effort is required to modify this fast turnaround PC-based program into a turnkey model for many unique applications, such as military/commercial aircrafts and naval vessels. Simulation results are presented to show that this model can provide acceptable prediction and evaluation for risk mitigation and can offer more efficient, timely solutions to both current and anticipated operational problems. It is believed that this model will become an essential technical support tool for maintaining safe environments for crews and passengers.