Pressure Resistance Testing of Spacesuits and Life Support Systems
Project name: Pressure Resistance Testing of Spacesuits and Life Support Systems
Strain gauges were attached to key components of the spacesuit and life support system, and data was collected using our company's SE Series Static Strain Data Acquisition System. By pressurizing the interior of the spacesuit, the pressure resistance was tested. The results demonstrate that the spacesuit exhibits excellent pressure resistance, fully meeting design requirements and providing scientific data to ensure astronaut safety.
Technical Summary of Pressure Resistance Testing
1. Test Principle & Methodology
Strain gauge measurement method: A network of strain sensors was deployed at critical areas (joints, seals, piping interfaces, etc.).
SE Series Static Strain Acquisition System (recommended sampling rate ≥1Hz, accuracy ≤0.1% FS).
Step pressurization test: Incremental pressure increase from ambient to 1.3× design pressure (typical value: 0.4 MPa), with 5-minute stabilization per step.
2. Key Test Parameters
Structural integrity: Maximum strain ≤60% of material yield limit.
Leakage performance: Pressure decay rate <5%/h (ISO 14607 standard).
Joint mobility zones: Strain increase <15% after 100 pressure cycles.
3. Data System Requirements
≥8-channel synchronous acquisition.
Real-time strain-pressure curve display.
Automated strain distribution mapping under peak pressure.
4. Safety Certification Standards
Compliance with NASA-STD-3001 or ECSS-Q-ST-70-71C.
200+ pressure cycle fatigue testing required.
Burst pressure ≥2× operating pressure.
5. Innovative Improvement Suggestions
Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for full-field deformation monitoring.
AI-based strain pattern recognition.
Periodic comparative testing for material aging assessment.
This testing protocol has been successfully applied in next-generation extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit development. Test data confirms:
At 0.12 MPa operational pressure, maximum strain is only 42% of aluminum alloy limits, with a leak rate of 0.3%/h, exceeding International Space Station EVA standards.
Recommended: Conduct maintenance pressure tests every 6 months to ensure system reliability.
Conclusion
The pressure resistance testing of spacesuits and life support systems successfully validated the structural integrity, leakage performance, and joint mobility under simulated operational conditions. Test results confirmed that strains remain well below material limits and leakage rates exceed international EVA standards, ensuring astronaut safety. The collected data supports ongoing design improvements, predictive maintenance, and long-term reliability assessments, providing a solid foundation for next-generation extravehicular activity (EVA) suit development and certification compliance.
