Structural Considerations of the Human Vertebral Column Under +Gz Impact Acceleration
Abstract
Among the major limitations on manned aerospace vehicular-and escape system designs are the structural limits of the human body. One of the lower limits is the strength of the vertebral body under +G (eyeballs down) impact acceleration. When the vertebral column is considered as a structural member, a finite limit on nonfracturing accelerations can be specified, as has previously been the case. An hypothesis as to the mechanism of fracture, which suggests an approach capable of raising the limit, and experimental evidence in support of the hypothesis are presented. A crude device based upon the approach was designed and tested experimentally on cadaveric exposures to +G acceleration. A statistically significant increase in the level of acceleration required to cause fracture was measured.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA396194
Entities
People
- Albert I. King
- Channing L. Ewing
- Priyaranjan Prasad
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory