RESEARCH ON THE HUMAN PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSE TO PROLONGED ROTATION AND ANGULAR ACCELERATION. A. ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES; B. PHYSIOLOGIC ACTIVITIES
Abstract
Physiologic research has explored the responses of humans to rotation and acceleration. The test vehicle was the Rotational Flight Simulator, an air bearing suspended sphere with unrestricted rotational freedom propelled by internally mounted inertia rings and, later, by a single axis external drive assembly. Engineering efforts established the dynamics and improved the control of the vehicle. Instrumentation was provided for the readout, display, and recording of significant data serving for physiologic evaluation and medical monitoring. The data were telemetered; pictorial display of the subject and two-way communication links were provided. A total of 138 experiments yielded valid physiologic and human performance information in a rotational environment from fractional to 16 rpm and for several minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes. The subjects consisted of 7 young, healthy males. Results indicated that the RFS properly used and instrumented represents a valuable and unique test vehicle; that changes in heart rate, and ECG readings depended on body position with respect to gravity; that electro-oculogram, subjective sensations, incipient nausea, and ability of the pilot to right the stationary sphere after tumbling--all depended on the rate, duration, and axis pattern of rotation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0665849
Entities
People
- Edward E. Pope
- John G. Fletcher
- Samuel T. Lim
- W. E. Rothe