Atmospheric Pressure within Lunar Structure
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 7, Issue 4
Abstract
Design and construction of a structure on the Moon requires addressing a host of issues not encountered on Earth. Since there is no atmosphere on the Moon, a lunar structure must contain an artificial atmosphere. One critical design issue is the magnitude of the pressure of this atmosphere. Much of the current literature on the design of lunar structures assumes a pressure of 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi), corresponding to that at sea level on Earth, which is an order of magnitude larger than any other loading on the structure. An assessment of the outcome of lowering the internal pressure for a lunar structure is presented that accounts for human physiology, plant growth, mechanical equipment for gas circulation, structural aspects, leak rate, decompression, flammability, combustion, and economic issues. Options for the magnitude and content of an internal atmosphere for a lunar structure are given. Results clearly show that there is a great savings if the pressure is lowered by an amount that does not greatly affect the inhabitants' physiology or safety.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 7 • Issue 4 • October 1994
Pages: 398 - 410
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 19, 1993
Published online: Oct 1, 1994
Published in print: Oct 1994
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