Physics and psychophysics of weightlessness.

نویسندگان

H HABER

S J GERATHEWOHL

چکیده

T H E D E V E L O P M E N T of aviation is directed toward ever increasing velocities and altitudes. Already, today, aircraft fly at altitudes at which the density of the atmosphere is extremely low. According to the principles of mechanics, reduction or entire lack of weight will ensue during coasting maneuvers at high altitudes because mechanical support by the atmosphere is lacking/ Consequently, the pilots of rocket aircrafts will have to familiarize themselves with the occurrence of sub-gravity and zerogravity states. In these states, little or no forces are exerted on the airman, causing him to experience little or no sensations of weight. Whereas the physiological and psychological effects of gravity greater than 1 g have been widely studied, and the tolerance limits for men under various conditions of positive and negative acceleration have been determined, little is known as to human behavior under conditions of reduced gravity. With the development of high-altitude, high-velocity flying, however, physiological and psychological functions in the sub-gravity and zero-gravity states will become a major subject for research. This paper attempts to delineate some of the physical and psychophysical problems associated with the lack of gravity.

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