MOBILITY OF PRESSURE-SUITED SUBJECTS UNDER WEIGHTLESS AND LUNAR GRAVITY CONDITIONS
Abstract
Problems of moving through hatchways under zero and lunar gravity conditions, and related design problems of hatch size and shape, were investigated in flight. Subjects were timed and photographed as they accomplished various motions during weightless and lunar-gravity maneuvers of a large cabin aircraft. Performance data are presented for various combinations of clothing, gravity and body-position conditions. Time and contact data are presented for the egress motion as it is influenced by changes in the exit area. Orientation problems and maneuvering techniques, as influenced by area and volume restrictions, are discussed. Motions of pressure-suited subjects generally required 30% more time than corresponding motions of unsuited subjects. Most motions required 35% more time during zero G than during lunar G. No significant differences in egress times were found among four body- positions. Compared with 1 inch of exit clearance, 5 inches of clearance improved egress time by approximately 6%. Accuracy, rather than time of motion, appeared to be a more sensitive measure of operator performance for the egress task. A 95th percentile shoulder plane with a 19.4-inch major axis is proposed as a basic egress reference.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0626979
Entities
People
- Charles W. Sears
- Dieter E. Walk
- John C. Simons
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory