Results and Analysis from Reduced Gravity Experiments of the Flexible Membrane Commode Apparatus 2009-01-2344
Two separate experimental rigs used in tests on NASA and Zero-G Corporation aircrafts flying low-gravity trajectories, and in the NASA 2.2 Second Drop Tower have been developed to test the functioning of the Flexible Membrane Commode (FMC) concept under reduced gravity conditions. The first rig incorporates the flexible, optically opaque membrane bag and the second rig incorporates a transparent chamber with a funnel assembly for evacuation that approximates the size of the membrane bag. Different waste dispensers have been used including a caulking gun and flexible hose assembly, and an injection syringe. Waste separation mechanisms include a pair of wire cutters, an iris mechanism, as well as discrete slug injection. The experimental work is described in a companion paper. This paper focuses on the obtained results and analysis of the data. While aspects such as bag deployment, handling, and removal as well as waste injection and separation are evaluated, the primary focus is on the trajectory and containment of the injected waste, and comparisons with modeling.
Citation: Yuan, Z., Hegde, U., Althausen, D., Mackey, J. et al., "Results and Analysis from Reduced Gravity Experiments of the Flexible Membrane Commode Apparatus," SAE Technical Paper 2009-01-2344, 2009, https://doi.org/10.4271/2009-01-2344. Download Citation
Author(s):
Z.-G. Yuan, U. Hegde, D. Althausen, J. Mackey, N. Hall, W. Duval, R. Alba, E. Litwiller, J. Hogan, T. Liggett, R. Devaney, T. Fox, J. Rask, K. Wignarajah, J. Fisher
Affiliated:
National Center for Space Exploration Research, Arctic Slope Research Corporation, NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA Ames Research Center
Pages: 10
Event:
International Conference On Environmental Systems
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Related Topics:
Microgravity
Gravity
Hoses
Aircraft
Evacuation and escape
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