Principles of Biodynamics. I. Introduction to Gravitational Biology.
Abstract
Gravity and other acceleration fields affect exposed organisms through the induced weight-to-mass ratio, which is generally indicated as 'G.' Biological response to such fields, and to changes in field strength, is the subject matter of 'gravitational biology.' Immediate response to increases in the ambient acceleration field includes the greater energy requirement for mechanical work and displacement of materials in nonrigid systems. There also are secondary changes, such as an increased nutritional requirement and blood volume increase. A particularly important condition to gravitational biology is weightlessness. Here the effects of Earth-gravity are removed, and the intensities of the remaining biological functions are mass determined. This review deals with the physical bases of gravitational biology and the descriptive terminology available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA003624
Entities
People
- Arthur H. Smith
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine