Author: Kingsley C. Drone

Publisher:

Published: 1961

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13:

Starting with the presently recognized requirements of accelerations, levels of various exposure conditions, and combinations of stresses in aerospace systems, a design study was made of an acceleration research device which would simulate these conditions. It was required that this accelerator use proven construction methods and be economically feasible. In simulating the various performance requirements there were certain areas that were quite significant in the over-all design: (1) Power requirement during the first second of maximum centrifuge onset is approximately 86,000 horsepower and necessitates a stored energy means to keep electrical power requirements below 20,000 horsepower; (2) Gyroscopic actions plus simulated vibration conditions at the end of the centrifuge arm dictate that major attention be given to arm natural frequencies and dampening qualities; (3) Resultant acceleration effects plus cab inertias necessitated some reduction in cab RPM's and onset rates to keep torque and horsepower requirements within feasibility limits; and (4) Coriolis forces must be considered in both the effect upon the subject being tested and cab structure.