Computer-Aided-Engineering System for Modeling and Analysis of ECLSS Integration Testing

The state-of-the-art Computer-Aided-Engineering (CAE) approach was chosen to enhance the capability to accurately model and analyze two-phase fluid networks in addition to subsystems, and test articles involved in ECLSS integration testing. Graphical and data base requirements for accurate model definition were satisfied through use of a Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) system. A generalized fluid dynamic analysis package was sought to solve arbitrary flow networks containing single and/or two-phase fluids in transient or steady state. The above two were linked through a specialized interface program running in the graphic environment to allow easy and interactive fluid dynamic analysis of the test bed. The CAE system for integrated test bed modeling and analysis will also provide the interfaces with subsystem/test article mathematical models in Advanced Continuous Simulation Language (ACSL), and with vendor application software. The resulting CAE System is a powerful interactive and graphic system, capable of storing test bed specifications, and data, performing complete simulation and analysis of ECLSS integration testing, and displaying smart 3-dimensional diagrams of the test bed. Currently, efforts are directed towards the addition of an interface with the real-time test data acquisition system to allow concurrent test monitoring and performance evaluation.