Astronauts in the centrifuge
Everyone is continuously exposed to the so-called G-force. However, astronauts are exposed to different strengths during their missions than those prevailing on Earth. Therefore, they have to train in some kind of centrifuge. The resulting forces have very different effects on the body.
The centrifuge generates various G-forces
The forces describe the intensity with which a body is loaded depending on its size and the current speed. If you stand still on the floor, your body will have a G-force of 1. This is caused by the gravitational pull of the earth.
- However, if you sit on a swing and keep running, the G-force increases. On average, you can achieve a G-force of up to 2.5 through the acceleration.
- Pilots and astronauts are exposed to significantly stronger G-forces because they are accelerated many times more during a take-off. Therefore, they have to complete various sessions in centrifuges during their training in order to demonstrate and expand their resilience.
- In these devices they can be accelerated further and further, so that ever stronger G-forces act on them.
What are the physical effects of astronauts?
Load limits were determined which a human body should not exceed with regard to the G-forces. However, this limit is higher if the body is prepared for the stress through intensive training. Astronauts therefore practice in a kind of centrifuge so that they can withstand more G-forces than a normal person without any training. But of course there are also load limits for the astronauts. As the speed of the centrifuge increases, the G-force increases and more and more physical effects become noticeable.
Accelerations are caused by forces. The middle ...
- It is generally said that everyone up to 2 g is completely symptom-free and can think and act without restriction.
- From 2.5 to 3 g the field of vision begins to be restricted due to changes in the circulatory system. The G-force causes the blood to sink more into the legs, which means that the brain has less oxygen-rich blood available.
- This loss of blood pressure in the head is so bad when it exceeds 3 g at the latest that the so-called greyout also occurs in those who have been trained. The field of vision is narrowed so much that it looks as if you are looking through a tube. In addition, people are increasingly losing the ability to see their surroundings in colors.
- From 4 to 5 g there is a blackout. The entire cycle collapses for a short time. Since this leads to unconsciousness, the person concerned is unable to think and react.
