Verification of ECLS Functions Using CFD: The Columbus Laboratory and ATV Pressurized Module Experience

The verification of the on-orbit performance of the functions constituting a Space Manned System is one of the critical points of the space projects. These activities are generally performed by test on ground facilities using flight models or high fidelity mock-ups. A big effort and some assumption are necessary to make negligible the gravity force effects on the collected results. A verification of the function performances by analysis permits to simplify this task by using a CFD virtual mockup (derived by the CAD models) and mathematically removing the gravitational effects.

The verification by CFD analysis is the strategy followed by Alenia Spazio to confirm the performance of both, the Fire Suppression & Air Ventilation for Space Manned Modules when these functions belonging the ECLSS. This paper report the experience gained over the past years in correlating the CFD models on the basis of tests performed on high fidelity mock-up.