The Coriolis Acceleration Platform

The report presents a brief description of the Coriolis Acceleration Platform, a new combined linear and angular motion-producing vestibular research device developed to study the biological effects of aerospace acceleration environments. The primary element of the device is a 20-ft diameter capsule equipped with various life-support equipments to study the long-term effects of continuous rotation. A low rpm, direct-coupled, DC torque motor operated in a closed-loop, velocity mode, power servomechanism configuration rotates the device in either direction at angular velocities extending to 200 deg/sec at accelerations ranging to 15 deg/sq sec. A second drive system can be programmed to produce time-varying rectilinear translations of a single subject along a track structure fixed to the capsule where this form of motion can occur singly, or in combination with rotation of the entire device. Peak ratings of the linear drive system include a radial displacement of plus or minus 20 ft, a linear velocity of plus or minus 16 ft/sec, and a linear acceleration of 96 ft/sq sec (3 g). (Author).

The report describes a general-purpose instrumentation system developed for use in conjunction with the Coriolis Acceleration Platform, a combined linear and angular motion device recently installed at the vestibular research facilities of this activity. The system, based on the use of standard commercially available equipment, provides the basic transducers, signal-conditioning circuitry, and recording instruments required for the acquisition, display, and storage of a wide variety of commonly collected biological and bioenvironmental measurement data. (Author).

This first volume covers the mechanics of point particles, gravitation, extended systems (starting from the two-body system), the basic concepts of relativistic mechanics and the mechanics of rigid bodies and fluids. It is part of a four-volume textbook, which covers electromagnetism, mechanics, fluids and thermodynamics, and waves and light, and is designed to reflect the typical syllabus during the first two years of a calculus-based university physics program. Throughout all four volumes, particular attention is paid to in-depth clarification of conceptual aspects, and to this end the historical roots of the principal concepts are traced. Writings by the founders of classical mechanics, G. Galilei and I. Newton, are reproduced, encouraging students to consult them. Emphasis is also consistently placed on the experimental basis of the concepts, highlighting the experimental nature of physics. Whenever feasible at the elementary level, concepts relevant to more advanced courses in modern physics are included. Each chapter begins with an introduction that briefly describes the subjects to be discussed and ends with a summary of the main results. A number of “Questions” are included to help readers check their level of understanding. The textbook offers an ideal resource for physics students, lecturers and, last but not least, all those seeking a deeper understanding of the experimental basics of physics.

A new man-rated vestibular research device, identified as the Counterrotator (CORO), was developed to investigate man's response to the dynamic linear acceleration environment afforded by counterrotation aboard a centrifuge. The device proper is a small Earth-vertical rotator which utilizes a DC torque motor operated as a closed-loop position servo to turn a seated subject about his z head axis. When installed aboard the radial arm of the Coriolis Acceleration Platform (CAP), a centrifuge-like rotator, the CORO drive system will track the angular motions of CAP over the 0- to 100-deg/sec velocity range at angular accelerations extending to 15 deg/sq sec. The device is rated to achieve this 1:1 counterrotation capability in low-level, variable magnitude, centripetal acceleration fields extending from 0 to 1.75 g nominal. (Author).