High-Speed Computational Applications for Space Radiation Shielding Analysis

摘要

Expanding knowledge of the complexities of the space radiation environment and its interactions withrnmatter, coupled with greater burdens associated with budgetary and time constraints, have given impetus to the need forrnapplication of more sophisticated analyses in more abbreviated time spans. Recent work at NASA-LaRC in this arearnhas resulted in development of high efficiency algorithms coupled with high speed computers and visualizationrnhardware and software to analyze space radiation effects and shielding methodologies for advanced missions. Specialrninterfacing with CAD solid models and 3-D immersive visualization equipment plays a major role in this endeavor.rnRecent applications have included analyses for EVA in a CAD-modeled STS space suit, for vector flux exposure in anrnISS habitation module, and for preliminary exposure predictions within a conceptual habitation module at an Earth-rnMoon libration point. Execution times for these heretofore rather lengthy analyses have been reduced from matters ofrnhours to matters of minutes.