Emergency Repressurization of Large Space Simulation Chambers

This paper describes the phenomena, design concepts, and design problems related to emergency repressurization systems for two large-space simulation chambers designed to test the Apollo vehicle and to provide for training of astronauts. The purpose of these systems is to protect the astronauts from the effects of sudden loss of space suit pressure and breathing of oxygen while in a vacuum environment. During and immediately following the repressurization, many unique engineering problems are encountered. These involve thermodynamics, transient heat transfer, high velocity gas flow, and acoustics. Reliability, safety, and economy are of prime concern in the development of solutions to meet the required parameters of system performance.