All space suit designs try to minimize or do away with this problem. The most general solution is to form the suit out of multiple layers. The bladder layer is a chewy, airtight layer much like a balloon. The moderation layer goes outside the bladder, and provides a specific shape for the suit. Since the bladder layer is bigger than the restraint layer, the restraint takes all of the stresses caused by the pressure of the suit. Since the bladder is not underneath strain, it will not "pop" similar to a balloon, even if punctured. The moderation layer is shaped in such a way that bending a joint will cause pockets of fabric, called gores, to open up on the outside of the joint. This makes up for the volume lost on the surrounded by of the joint, and keeps the suit at a constant volume. However, once the gores are opened all the way, the joint cannot be bent any longer without a considerable amount of work.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Theories of spacesuit design
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Spacesuit requirements
breathable oxygen: Usually a rebreather is used beside with a supply of fresh oxygen.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Space Suit
Some of these requirements also apply to force suits worn by people such as high-altitude fighter pilots who may fly so high that breathing pure oxygen at adjacent pressure would not provide enough oxygen for them to function: see hypoxia.