Human Performance Centrifuge
The 1.98-meter radius Human Performance Centrifuge (HPC) offers research capabilities for human subjects requiring a small diameter centrifuge. The Human Performance Centrifuge is designed for supine subject placement and provides a variable g-loading from 1 g at the subject’s head to a maximum of 5 g at the subject’s feet. Previously powered by a bicycle pedal and chain drive, the Human Performance Centrifuge is now configured with an electric motor drive system controlled by a PLC interface. Data acquisition is through both a slip ring and wireless system. A medical monitoring system provides for subject safety through monitoring of subject vital signals.
Previous research
- Countermeasures to ameliorate the de-conditioning and disorientation effects of spaceflight
- Mechanisms of orthostatic tolerance
- Fluid shifts in the body during acceleration
Unique configurations
Exercise.
The Human Performance Centrifuge is capable of producing forces up to 5 times that of terrestrial gravity at the subject’s feet while maintaining 1 g at the subject’s head allowing for study of gravity gradient effects. G exposure is in the z-axis and varies with rpm, 50rpm = 5 gz at subject’s feet. An ergo-meter system can be added for protocols requiring subject exercise.
Performance limits and specifications
Radius: 6.5 ft
Payload: 1-2 subjects, 500 lbs total
Max G: 5 g (at outer radius)
Max RPM: 50 rpm
