INVESTIGATION OF A PERSONNEL RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR ADVANCE MANNED FLIGHT VEHICLES
Abstract
To develop new concepts for personnel restraint, the following studies were conducted. Characteristic accelerations were defined for advanced manned flight systems. Accelerations of 8 to 12 G which are associated with ballistic reentry, produce the most severe physiological stress. Landing impact, generating low total energy accelerations of 60 to 100 G's peak on the capsule, produced the most severe structural loading. Human tolerance to acceleration was studied by a survey of the available test data and a structural analysis of the humann body. Test data for hiqh peak magnitude low total energy acceleration exposures were not reported in the literature on controlled experimentation. Case histories of accidental falls and suicides were studied to gain insight into human tolerance to this type of acceleration. Several basic crew restraint concepts were evolved and evaluated. A concept employing rigid contoured support was selected to limit body element displacement and distortion and to minimize rebound. A test system was designed and fabricated. Mechanisms were designed to preposition and pretension the crewman mechanically prior to impact. Further research should include thorough testing of the test system to determine the protection achieved by rigid contoured restraint. If high level protection is demonstrated, an operational prototype should be developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0296896
Entities
People
- C. F. Gell
- Howard E. Freeman
- William C. Boyce
Organizations
- Vought