Difference between revisions of "Air"
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==Low pressure effects== | ==Low pressure effects== | ||
| − | The [[human]] breathing works best at [[Earth|terrestrial]] sea level with an air pressure of | + | The [[human]] breathing works best at [[Earth|terrestrial]] sea level with an air pressure of 101,3 kilopascal (kPa). The air pressure on the Mount Everest is only 34,0 kPa. |
In such high altitudes of the terrestrial atmosphere the air pressure drops to dangerous values, resulting in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). | In such high altitudes of the terrestrial atmosphere the air pressure drops to dangerous values, resulting in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). | ||
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==Open Issues== | ==Open Issues== | ||
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*What air pressure, combined with different oxygen levels, is required for persons to survive? | *What air pressure, combined with different oxygen levels, is required for persons to survive? | ||
*What air pressure, combined with different oxygen levels, is required for persons to live and work? | *What air pressure, combined with different oxygen levels, is required for persons to live and work? | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | <references/> | + | <references /> |
[[Category:Air]] | [[Category:Air]] | ||
Revision as of 09:13, 29 April 2019
Settlers on Mars depend on artificial air for breathing, since the atmosphere is too thin and poisonous.
Low pressure effects
The human breathing works best at terrestrial sea level with an air pressure of 101,3 kilopascal (kPa). The air pressure on the Mount Everest is only 34,0 kPa.
In such high altitudes of the terrestrial atmosphere the air pressure drops to dangerous values, resulting in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Oxygen reduction for fire prevention
The terrestrial atmosphere contains 21% oxygen, which is the value that human beings have adapted to during a long evolution process. But there is some tolerance. Under normal air pressure persons can live and work with down to 13% oxygen. The danger of fire is much lower in a low oxygen air. With 15% oxygen even paper can no longer burn with a flame. [1]
Open Issues
- What air pressure, combined with different oxygen levels, is required for persons to survive?
- What air pressure, combined with different oxygen levels, is required for persons to live and work?
- What are the results from the Biosphere 2 experiment? Ideas for mitigation and/or compensation?
- What is known about the behaviour of dusty air under low gravity?
