Experimental Analysis of Planetary Dust Transport in Pressurized Cabin Atmospheres

An experimental study was performed to gain a better understanding of the behavior of lunar dust particles in pressurized cabin atmospheres. Specifically, the transport properties of the lunar dust particles in spacecraft cabin and airlock volumes and in ducted flows are essential to better inform the Artemis vehicles designers. Specific properties of interest are the settling rates and particle velocities and trajectories under various flow conditions and duct geometries. The experimental work was performed at NASA GRC in the Particle Filtration Laboratory in a low-pressure flow loop. Steady pressure was maintained during the extent of the tests with a vacuum pressure controller. The tests were carried out at two flow velocities, 12 to 48 cm/s for the two system pressures to provide different particle transport dynamics for investigation. In these flows, the induced particle drag competes with the gravitational force to affect the level of particle settling over the length of the test section. Particles were introduced upstream of the test section under steady flow conditions in the flow loop using a commercial particle generator. Diagnostic test methods included using high-speed video imaging of the particle flow, a cascade impactor for particle counting and size distribution, and particle collection mats on the inner bottom wall of the duct to investigate the particle settling and deposition along the axial length of the flow loop. This paper will detail the experimental results of the study providing analysis of particle transport properties and dynamics under various flow conditions. The data gained can help in the design of spacecraft ventilation and filtration systems.