VAQ SUIT
First Principles Vacuum Suits
To calculate the volume of water required to maintain sufficient pressure in such a suit, we need to consider a few factors:
Human Body Surface Area: The average adult human body has a surface area of about 1.6 to 1.9 square meters. However, the actual surface area covered by the suit may differ based on the design and the size of the individual.
Thickness of Water Layer: Posit layer of water that's approximately 1 cm thick, this is open to change depending on testing.
Pressure Requirements: The suit needs to maintain a pressure that's comfortable and safe for the human body, typically around 1 atmosphere (atm), which is the pressure at sea level on Earth.
The volume of water can be estimated by multiplying the surface area covered by the suit by the thickness of the water layer. Let's assume an average adult body surface area and calculate the volume:
Average body surface area = 1.75 square meters (a mid-point estimate)
Thickness of water layer = 1 cm = 0.01 meters
The volume is then the product of these two measurements.
The volume of water required to maintain the structure and sufficient pressure all around the human body in such a suit would be approximately 17.5 liters. This estimation is based on a 1 cm thick layer of water covering an average adult body surface area
Potential Materials:
Several "rubber-type" materials, or elastomers, have properties that allow them to survive and perform in the harsh conditions of space. These materials need to withstand extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, solar and cosmic radiation, and potential exposure to atomic oxygen and other reactive species. The most suitable would likely be TPU, for the following reasons:
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile polymer that combines the performance characteristics of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics. Here are some of its key properties:
Flexibility and Elasticity: TPU can stretch and return to its original shape, offering excellent flexibility and elasticity. This makes it ideal for applications requiring durability and resistance to deformation.
Transparency: It can be made translucent or transparent, which is useful for applications where visibility or aesthetics are important.
Abrasion Resistance: TPU has superior wear and tear properties, making it resistant to abrasion, which is beneficial for items that experience friction or physical stress.
Tensile Strength: It combines good strength with flexibility, making it suitable for applications where materials need to withstand pulling forces.
Chemical Resistance: TPU resists a wide range of chemicals, including oils, greases, and many solvents, although this can vary depending on the specific formulation.
Water Resistance: It generally has good waterproofing capabilities, which can be enhanced with additional coatings or treatments for specific applications.
Temperature Range: TPU can operate effectively over a broad temperature range, with some formulations withstanding temperatures from -40°C to over 80°C (-40°F to 176°F), although this depends on the type of TPU.
Biocompatibility: Certain grades of TPU are biocompatible, which makes them suitable for medical applications, although not all TPUs are biocompatible.
UV Resistance: With the right additives, TPU can offer protection against UV degradation, which is crucial for outdoor applications.
Recyclability: Being a thermoplastic, TPU can be melted down and recycled, contributing to sustainability efforts where applicable.
Low Temperature Flexibility: Unlike many other polymers, TPU retains its flexibility at low temperatures, which is a significant advantage for applications in cold environments.
Adhesion: TPU has good adhesion properties, making it useful for bonding to other materials or for use in multi-layered constructions.
Processing: It can be processed through various methods like extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding, offering versatility in manufacturing.
These properties make TPU an excellent choice for a wide array of products, including footwear, medical devices, automotive components, and indeed, as a potential material for innovative applications like space suits, particularly if the focus is on flexibility, durability, and visibility of the suit's internal systems.
