Modelling Platform Dynamics and Physiologic Response to Short Arm Centrifugation

An opportunity exists to develop a comprehensive model of the kinematics of a short-arm centrifuge, models of human physiologic response during centrifugation, and evaluation of techniques for balancing the torques created during operation of a short-arm centrifuge. The proposed Phase I program will include a detailed review of the literature, the synthesis and solution of a general mathematical model of short-arm centrifuge kinematics as well as physiologic models of the cardiovascular and vestibular system, and a design approach and research on a dynamic balancing concept for a short-arm centrifuge in space. The models will be partially validated against existing data to yield a Phase I model which could be employed as a tool for integrating existing physiologic knowledge and for guiding future research by explicitly identifying the new data required to more fully describe the physiologic consequences of short-arm centrifuge design and centrifugation protocols. A validated model of the cardiovascular and vestibular response to High Gradient Acceleration (HGA) is vital to development of centrifugation protocols and the interpretation of the experimental data in the context of the space-based scenario. The methods and approaches for balancing the torques created by centrifugation must be addressed to avoid destabilization of orbiting platforms equipped with a short-arm centrifuge.