Utility of an Emulation and Simulation Computer Model for Air Revitalization System Hardware Design, Development, and Test

A concept for the software tools needed to support the Space Station engineering process has evolved over the past two years. The approach is called the Emulation, Simulation, Sizing, and Technology Assessment Program. The software tools outlined in the approach are expected to benefit a developing hardware program. To demonstrate the utility of one of the software tools recommended in this approach, Hamilton Standard, under contract with the NASA Langley Research Center, has been developing an emulation and simulation computer model for the Space Station air revitalization system.

The paper begins with a brief description of the modeled Space Station air revitalization system and its operation. The paper continues with a description of the computer model and its validation, and concludes with a discussion of the benefits and experiences of using the computer model to support such areas as hardware design, test planning, and control development.