SOME DYNAMIC RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF WEIGHTLESS MAN
Abstract
A mathematical model is developed to approximate the mass distribution, center of mass, moments of inertia, and degrees of freedom of a human being by segmenting the body into 14 idealized masses. An analysis of the model reveals that the moments of inertia about the segment mass centers of the hands, feet, and forearms are negligible, when compared to the total body moments of inertia. However, the moment of inertia of the torso about its mass center is 10% to 35% of the total body moment of inertia. By neglecting the local moments of inertia of the smaller segments, a simplified method is achieved for calculating the moments of inertia and center of mass when the body posture changes. An investigation of some selected problems in thrust misalignment, maneuvering, free-body dynamics, stability of rotation, and torque application reveals their applicability in predicting analytically man's dynamic response characteristics in space. Preliminary experiments indicate that the torque which weightless man can exert by applying a sudden twist to a fixed handle varies as a half sine wave, and is approximately 67% of his maximum torque under normal gravity conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0610228
Entities
People
- Charles E. Whitsett Jr.
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology