Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Airflow in a Mars Analog Cave Environment
- Paper ID
101699
- DOI
- author
- company
Intinauta Research Center; Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Privada del Norte
- country
Peru
- year
2025
- abstract
In this comprehensive study, we employed Ansys Discovery for an in-depth Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to examine the intricacies of airflow within a Mars analog cave environment, specifically focusing on the Astroland Ares Station. By meticulously collecting environmental data from the cave and simulating complex airflow patterns, this research aimed to identify optimal ventilation solutions that ensure thermal comfort, efficient air mixing, and effective waste heat dispersion in conditions analogous to Mars. The study meticulously evaluates various ventilation configurations, analyzing their impact on air quality, temperature distribution, and the potential for creating micro-environments within the habitat. By integrating Ansys Discovery’s advanced simulation capabilities, we were able to visualize airflow dynamics, detect areas prone to stagnation, and propose a dual-loop cooling system tailored for the unique challenges of extraterrestrial habitats. This dual-loop system combines general habitat ventilation with targeted cooling for heat-generating equipment, ensuring comprehensive environmental control. The findings not only offer a blueprint for achieving thermal and atmospheric balance in Martian bases but also underscore the critical role of sophisticated CFD tools like Ansys Discovery in designing life-support systems for future space exploration missions.