Simulation of aerospace flight acceleration and dynamic pressure environments for biodynamics research.

Abstract : In the past, laboratory simulators have, because of technical limitations, usually been restricted to reproduce isolated segments of the operational environment. The next generation of simulators will provide the ability to create the high-magnitude, complex accelerations of operational environments for exploration of the biomechanics, physiologic, and performance changes resulting from exposure of humans and animals to those environments. A six-degree-of-freedom motion device, operating in the 0-30 cps range to produce complex vibrations with peak loads up to plus or minus 15 g, a dynamic pressure chamber (that will create sound pressure fluctuations of up to 172 db in the 0- 100 cps frequency range), and a dynamic escape simulator (a sophisticated centrifuge) that will permit suprapositioning of sustained acceleration of up to 20 g's with high-magnitude, complex, angular and linear motion and a wide range of atmospheric pressures and temperatures are now under construction. A design study on a horizontal impact research device has been completed. The specific design characteristics and performance range of these devices are compared to the environments produced by operational conditions and to existing laboratory simulation facilities.