i GDC-ERR-AN-991 + (Life Sciences) FEASIBILITY OF THE MANNED TORQUED CENTRIFUGE IN A NON-PRESSURIZED ENVIRONMENT 1966 PROGRESS REPORT T. W, O'Laughlin, B.S, B. D. Newsom, PhD. December 196 GENERAL DYNAMICS Convair DivisionCategory of Effort Life Sciences ABSTRACT REPORT NUMBER _GDC-ERR-AN-991 RD-1 NUMBER _111-1065- 911 REPORT TITLE__ Feasibility of the Manned Torqued Centrifuge in a Non-pressurized ‘Environment AUTHOR__T. W. O'Laughlin and DATE OF PUBLICATION December 1966 B. iewsom SECURITY CLASSIFICATION__U COMPANY CLASSIFICATION ‘The Convair division of the General Dynamics Corporation has proposed a small manned torqued centrifuge as an optimum device for the physiological conditioning of space voyagers exposed to a prolonged hypogravity environment, Preliminary findings indi- cate that such activity (centrifugation) can be performed extra-vehicularly, thereby taking into consideration the matter of space and mass limitations. Tests conducted C in the pressure suit mode have identified needed human factor engineering design changes and important parameters to be considered in connection with scheduled man rating of the equipment, Such testing will establish work (caloric) requirements and physiological changes resulting from centrifugation. oO Copies of this report may be obtained by contacting D.H. McCoy, 524-0, GDC.GDC-ERR-AN-991 (Life Sciences) December 1966 FEASIBILITY OF THE MANNED TORQUED CENTRIFUGE INA NON-PRESSURIZED ENVIRONMENT 1966 PROGRESS REPORT | T. W. O'Laughlin, B.S, 4 B. D. Newsom, PhD. Security Classification Approved per Requirements of Paragraph 10, DOD 5220.22-M This work was sponsored under Convair Division of General Dynamics RD-1 No. 111-1065-911 CONVAIR DIVISION OF GENERAL DYNAMICSGDC-ERR-AN-991 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ‘The authors express their appreciation to Mr. Richard Wolf for his assistance in pressure suit and gas storage problems and to Mr. George Gill for his technical contribution in fabrication of the experimental | device.GDC-ERR-AN-991 ‘TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1 mernopucTION pe peo iat corpo ee 2 TEST-EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION. » 2 es et sts? 2.1 Equipment Description 6 2 6 se et? 212 SafetyAspects. - ee ee ee ee tS 3 CENTRIFUGE FEASIBILITY STUY .- +--+ s ets 8 4 oe rtstrtsts«Sti‘ézaéCSCO;#éC*;#§C. 5 pereRENS Appendix A EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH ©. ee eee ee et Art iiTable GDC-ERR-AN-991 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Internal Centrifuge Prototype... 2... Pressure Breathing Compensating Valve Assembly Pressure Breathing Compensating Valve Assembly Cross-sectional View , Centrifuge in Operation... . 1. 1 + LIST OF TABLES Metabolic Measurements. . . . - + + + + iiiGDC-ERR-AN-991 SUMMARY ‘The Convair division of the General Dynamics Corporation has proposed a small manned torqued centrifuge as an optimum device for the physiological conditioning of space voyagers exposed to a prolonged hypogravity environment. Preliminary findings indicate that such activity (centrifugation) can be performed extra-vehicu- larly, thereby taking into consideration the matter of space and mass limitations, ‘Tests conducted in the pressure suit mode have identified needed human factor engineering design changes and important parameters to be considered in connection with scheduled man rating of the equipment. Such testing will establish work (caloric) requirements and physiological changes resulting from centrifugation, ivGDC-ERR-AN-991 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND. Space voyages presently planned for the next decade will in- volve Jong term (greater then three months) exposure to zero gravity. Several devices have been suggested which would serve to attenuate anticipated loss of the orthostatic reflex. To this end the Life Sciences Department in April of 1965 proposed a method and offered preliminary design concepts which would establish the feasibility of a space vehicle internal centrifuge to be self torqued in the pressure suit mode (ultimately as EVA). A laboratory study, intended to identify human factor engineering, safety, design and analytical unknowns,was carried out during 1965 and 1966, A by-product of this study has been the development of an experimental procedure which would lead to further identification of work (caloric) requirements and physiological changes resulting from such work during centrifugation, Portions of that procedure appear in this report, 1,2 PURPOSE. The purpose of this paper is to report on this department's experi- ence and progress with the Convair internal centrifuge prototype and offer recommen- dations for a course of continued study.GDC-ERR-AN-991 SECTION 2 | TEST-EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION 2,1 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION, The test equipment constructed (Figure 1) con sists of an eight foot magnesium platform (5) which supports a couch (1) at one end and an adjustable counterbalance support (2) at the opposite end, all of which rests on four aluminum air bearing pads (3). These 5-inch diameter surfaces when pres- surized make essentially frictionless "contact" with the single 30-inch diameter aluminum underbearing to allow easy rotation about the fixed hand crank (4) and axis. A space suit controller (8) and physiological monitoring equipment rest on a plywood frame (6) positioned across and at right angles to the platform. A special frame enclosure (7) houses a Bircher Electrocardiograph. Commutator rings for 110- volt power provide the experimental team a means by which a remote and continuous recording of subject ECG, systolic pressure, and limb perfusion can be made. Other sensing devices include the Beckman Continuous Systolic Monitor and Park's Impe- dence Plethysmograph for measurement of limb volume changes. ‘The couch is designed to accommodate from 10th to 90th percentile subjects in a pressure suit mode allowing at the same time for easy torquing and simultaneous adjustment of the onboard spacesuit monitor and regulatory device. A breathing-alr supply sphere (9), situated on the balance support structure, offers a variable radius providing an effective counterbalance as air is consumed. ‘The centrifuge is capable of being operated up to 60 rpm with the subject's feet at a distance of 4-1/2 feet from the center of rotation. One-hundred-gram weather baloons, in lieu of Douglas bags, have been trial tested and found to be satisfactory for the collection of expired air and eventual assessment of man's operational caloric requirements. Respiratory gases, of course, may be collected in several ways, depending on the specific requirements. If the subject is permitted to inhale the same gases as are normally used in the suit, then a simple method of collecting exhaled gas is by means of a pressure compensated mouthpiece. ‘This device, shown in Figures 2 and 3 and designed by the Life Sciences department, allows the subjects to breathe normally through the mouth, inhaling suit gases and exhaling outside the suit. ‘The exhaled gas can be analyzed and then either dumped or routed back to the suit. In addition, techniques for the analysis of collected expired air by Natelson Microgasometer have been developed and are now a part of a depart- mental procedure. Other appropriate and reliable bioinstrumentation is available to record physiological information required, Table 1 shows the fac’ for individual measurements.(eee ta ea atc a la GDC-ERR-AN-991 Figure 2, Pressure Breathing Compensating Valve Assembly PRESSURE COMPENSATION DIAPHRAGM EXHAUST VALVE CHECK VALVE BALANCE To ANALYZE = ) ( i / Ve a) BREATHING AIR INLET & \ i INN / ve Q oa y : “ \ vv 4 MOUTHPIECE HELMET Figure 3, Pressure Breathing Compensating Valve Assembly Cross-sectional View 4GDC-ERR-AN-991 Table 1. Metabolic Measurements MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT MAKE AND MODEL Rectal temperature Thermister Yellow Springs tele- (and skin) thermometer, 10-position Electrocardiogram EKG Bircher or Sanborn Heart Rate EKG and Sanburn and Grass 5A integrator Respiratory rate Impedarce Sanborn ‘Oxygen consumption Paramagnetic 0, Beckman F3M3-1A3Y (fast analyzer response) Carbon dioxide production Infrared M-S-A LIRA Model 300 analyzer Minute volume Mass flowmeter ‘Technology, Inc. MFG10 Humidity Hygrometer and Lab-line and RAF dew point indicator ‘The above instrumentation is available for the specific purpose of metabolic rate deter- minations, Other laboratory equipment is on hand to back these systems and to be used for calibration, These items include a Beckman gas chromatography system with columns for O2 or COp and a Beckman infrared analyzer modified for continuous read- ing. A Bendix 17-210 time-of-flight mass spectrometer is available for more detailed respiratory analysis. ‘A gas supply(10) has been made available to the four veined air bearing pads by plumbing to the factory air system. In order to preserve bearing surfaces, water and particulate contamination control has been achieved by installation of a filter and dewatering unit at the air source. 2.2 SAFETY ASPECTS. Devices which specifically relate to safety have been incor- porated with the Convair Internal Centrifuge System. Among these is a remotely ac- cessible hand brake available for immediate use by the test monitors. Pressure suits have been equipped with a 4 psig relief valve to reduce the possibility of over- pressurization, The centrifuge table and couch have been padded, the latter including body straps, to minimize chances of personnel injury, A subject/monitor intercommun- ication system permits timely instruction and report transmittal. 5GDC-ERR-AN-991 SECTION 3 CENTRIFUGE FEASIBILITY STUDY ‘The centrifuge described by this paper, with turntable air bearings providing a very low friction coefficient, offers a plus G, system operationally similar to that which is anticipated in a null gravity situation, Seemingly, very little exertion would be re~ quired to produce a head-to-toe gradient of one g (30 rpm at our 4-1/2 foot radius). No use of planetary gears has been made. A stationary hand crank was considered to afford sufficient mechanical advantage. Figure 4 shows the centrifuge in operation. In general, it can be said that the subjects who underwent a one g centrifuge exposure in the shirt sleeve mode experienced only a very small potential for disorientation which was comfortably controlled by minimizing head turns. Some lower limb hyper- thermia was experienced during the 10-minute trials. ‘That a significant g-gradiant is produced was demonstrated by "quite noticeable" perrotatory "feeling of fullness" in the calves. Spin-up to the required 30 rpm and maintenance of that angular velocity was accomplished effortlessly. No disorientation occurred during rotation. Verbal communication between subjects and experimenters, maintained throughout rotation, was normal. A single test subject has been exposed to this same g-gradient (rpm) in the inflated pressure suit mode, Differences appear to exist, however, with respect to the tor- queing effort required to achieve and meintain the desired angular velocity. The subject reported difficulty in reaching 3) rpm and that maintenance of that angular velocity was physically "exhausting". This condition is partly traceable to restricted arm movement resulting from both the type of pressure suit used in the experiment and the rather large hand crank radius originally intended to provide maximum tor- queing capability. Reducing the crank "throw" partially solved space and locomotion problems, It is felt, however, that a retchet type drive mechanism will serve as a further improvement, Interestingly, the subject reported no disorientation during rotation, but did note mild discomfort during spin-down, possibly due to the more extreme random head movements associated with fatigue. A motion picture of this portion of the study has been made as a documentary reference to demonstrate feasi- bility of the approach,GDC-ERR-AN-991 STATIC SPIN-UP 30 RPM Figure 4, Centrifuge in OperationGDC-ERR-AN-991 SECTION 4 PROGRESS The preliminary study outlined by this report demonstrates the feasibility of a centri fuge system that could be operated as an extra-vehicular activity, An on-board equip- ment weight penalty of fifty pounds has been estimated for such a system, An extension of this effort is recommended in order to form a more valid statistical basis for both mechanical and man-rating data, Such studies would identify maximum centrifuge operating time at various rpm values in the pressure-suit mode, and phys- iological changes as a function of time and rpm, The Experimental Approach outlined in detail in Appendix A describes those parameters to be investigated, methodology, and purpose. Further, recovery systems and/or provisions for motor operation of the internal centrifuge should be considered in light of possible crew incapacitation, Valid methods of measuring perturbation potential are described in GDC-ERR-AN-737, dated 26 April 1965 and could be developed quantitatively under a continuation of this study.1 SECTION 5 REFERENCES Murray, R. H., Prine, J. and Menninger, R. P., "Repeated, Prolonged, Low- intensity +G, Exposures", Anatomical Studies in Dogs, Aerospace Medicine, 972, October 1965. Piemme, T. E., McCally, M., and Hyde, A. $., Antidiuretic Effect of + Gradient Acceleration, 37th Annual Aerospace Medical Association reprints, pp 12-13, April 1966. Nyberg, J. W., Grimes, R. H., Finney, L, M., and White, W. J., Modification of the Effects of Recumbency Upon Physiological Functions by Periodic Centri- fugation, 37th Annual Aerospace Medical Association reprints, p 133, April 1966.GDC-ERR-AN-991 APPENDIX A EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A.1 REQUIREMENTS A,1,1 Equipment. Convair self-torqued centrifuge and Mark II Goodrich pressure suits, A.1,2° Subjects, Six male subjects will be exposed to each of three modes. Shirt sleeve with helmet, pressure suit unpressurized with open helmet, and pressure suit with helmet under pressure. A.1.3 Apparatus 1, Present Life Sciences (Dept. 592-0} small man-torqued centrifuge equipped with "slip" rings to accommodate some of attachments identified below. 2, Expired air collection balloons (100 gms) (2). 3, Natelson mierogasometer, Model 600. 4, Parks Electronics Plethysmograph, Model 270 (2). 5, Bircher Corporation, Los Angeles, California electrocardiograph. 6. Beckman Continuous Systolic Monitor. 7. Autolite, La Crosse, Wisconsin, spacesuit monitor. 8. Pressure space suit with helmet adapted to Item 9 below. 9. Special 2-way helmet valve assembly adaptable to collection balloons (Item 2 above). A.2 PROCEDURE. Evaluation of expired air sampling and test equipment (Items 2, 8 and 9) will precede subject analysis. The physiological measurements described under "Techniques" will be made prior to and during the torqueing of the internal centrifuge at 0, 15 and 30 rpm in each of three modes. The 0 rpm will be the control observation, ModeI - Shirt sleeve. Mode I - Uninflated pressure suit and helmet. Mode I - Inflated pressure suit and helmit. Ten minutes at 0, 15 and 30 rpm sequenced as shown below with 5 minutes rest at sea level between each sequence,GDC-ERR-AN-991 Subject A BC DE F RPM sequence 0 30 15 0 15 30 for Mode 15 15. 30430 fo 0 1, 0, 0 300 60 «(15 805 A2.1 Technique A.2,1,1 Heart rate will be measured by electrocardiograph and recorded by conven- tional means on the centrifuge. A.2.1,2 Systolic pressure will be measured by the Beckman Continuous Systolic monitor from the toe and recorded remotely by the experimenter in communication with subject. A.2,1,3 Blood volume changes inthe forearm and calf will be measured by means of the Parks Electronics Model 270 Plethysmograph and recorded remotely by the experimenter, A.2.1.4 Space suit (relief valve equipped) pressure will be controlled on board by each subject by means of an autopilot spacesuit monitor and regulatory device. A,2.1,5 Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production will be determined by collection (in balloons) of expired air and analysis by Natelson microgasometer, Model 600, (Subject air supply is predetermined by Natelson technique.) Final decisions related to this procedure are the responsibility of the "Internal Cen- trifuge Experimental Team", All testing is to be performed under team surveillance and in the presence of the medical monitor. A.2.2° Schedule Apr. '67 May '67 June '67 July '67 Equipment Evaluation Preliminary Experiments (Individual) Preliminary Experiments (Total) Subject Selection (A, B, C,D, E & F - USN) — Subject Testing* — *Task to be accomplished by experimental team.GDC-ERR-AN-991 A\3. SAFETY ITEMS Check Off Remarks Initial Subject physical 2, Pressure suit and console checkout 3. Centrifuge Check Out Air Pressure Balance Brakes Secure parts Safety belt 4, Reach envelope satisfactorily 5. Communication 6, Fence barrier A.4 EXPIRED AIR NATELSON 03/CO, PROCEDURE A.4.1 Sampling Techniques. Expired air will be collected in 100 gm weather balloons during torqueing and after required rpm is achieved. Precise means and times of collection will be determined during "Preliminary Experiments" aspect of this study. A.4.2 Equipment Operating Procedure 1, Add 0,03 ml specimen and 0,01 ml Hg. 2, Add 0.03 ml citric acid and 0,01 ml Hg. 3, Add 0.1 ml distilled water and Hg to 0,12 ml mark,* 4. Close stopcock and draw back to 3.0 ml mark, 5, Shake for 1 minute, 6, Advance to 0, 12 ml and read manometer P. 7. Advance Hg to top of manometer and open chamber stopcock. 8. Add 0.03 ml NaOH and Hg to 0.12 ml mark, 9. Close stopcock and draw back to 3.0 ml mark, 10. Advance to 0,12 ml mark and read manometer, Py. (P, - P,) x Factor = CO, content. * Not required for gaseous samples1 2. 13. “ 15, GDC-ERR-AN-991 Advance Hg to top of manometer and open reaction chamber stopcock. Draw in 0,03 ml Hydrosulfite reagent and Hg to 0.12 ml mark. Close reaction chamber stopcock and draw sample into reaction chamber bowl and mix for 3 minutes. Advance meniscus to 0.12 ml mark and record pressure (P3). (P, - P,) x Factor = 0, content. Rinse with citric acid, then with deionized water. A.4.3. Expired Air Computations @. 1 ~ Py) x *Factor Vol. % = CO, Content (Vol. %) (P, ~ P3) x *Factor Vol. % = O, Content (Vol. ‘) *See page 29 of Natelson Microgasometer Instruction Booklet No. 5. Volume Adjustment: 0.03 x ~—273___, mm Hg Atmospheric Pressure _ X ml Adjusted Vol. K Ambient 60, mbien 3 : Xmi x co, Vol. % = Corrected co, Vol. % 0.03 - Xmi x Oo, Vol. % = Corrected 0, Vol. %