Numerical Prediction of Carbon Dioxide Accumulation in the International Space Station Crew Quarters

On the International Space Station, forced ventilation is a necessity. In the absence of gravity, air movement due to density differences is nonexistent. This phenomenon leads to the risk of carbon dioxide accumulation in the breathing area, especially in confined spaces where the general ventilation system of the space station is less effective. The crew quarters of the astronauts are the areas where they sleep and there have been reports that suggest higher carbon dioxide concentrations than normal. This study presents a numerical investigation of the carbon dioxide accumulation rate inside these crew quarters.