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Published:28-30 September 1999
Author:
  • Theodore Hall
Origin:. AIAA 99-4524. AIAA Space Technology Conference, 28-30 September 1999, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Abstract:

This paper examines artificial gravity from the point of view of a person living and moving within a rotating habitat. First, it reviews the literature on comfort conditions for rotation. Next, it analyzes the relative motion of free-falling objects and the apparent slopes of surfaces to reveal the geometry of the effective gravitational field, its variation from Earth-normal gravity, and its variation within the supposed comfort zone for rotation. Finally, it examines the role of gravity in perception psychology and architectural design theory to explore the implications of artificial gravity for habitat design. An architectural grammar comprising wall, floor, and ceiling elements in particular orientations with respect to gravity is common sense. Nevertheless, its application to artificial gravity may be inadequate. Due to Coriolis accelerations and cross-coupled rotations, not only the up-down (radial) but also the east-west (tangential) directions emerge as gravitationally distinct. Inasmuch as architecture is powerless to mask these distinctions, it would do well to help the inhabitants adapt to them. It may do this by providing visual or other cues to assist orientation, as well as by arranging activities to minimize off-axis motion.

References:
  • Gravity Problems in Manned Space Stations
  • Rotating Manned Space Stations
  • Manned Space Stations - Gateway to our Future in Space
  • Critical Engineering Problems of Space Stations
  • An Overview of Artificial Gravity
  • Physiological Considerations of Artificial Gravity
  • To Spin or Not To Spin
  • Living Aloft: Human Requirements for Extended Spaceflight
  • The Body Pays a Penalty for Defying the Law of Gravity
  • Some Physiological Effects of Alternation Between Zero Gravity and One Gravity
  • Cognitive Representation of Linear Motion: Possible Direction and Gravity Effects in Judged Displacement
Related Entries:
  • American Institute for Astronautics and Aeronautics
  • Werhner Von Braun
  • International Space Station
Keywords:Habitat:Orbital:Architecture
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