A human-powered, small radius centrifuge for space application: a design study.

The necessity of preventing physiologic deconditioning of astronauts exposed to long duration space flights is well known. A method under consideration to prevent this deconditioning is the use of periodic exposure to artificial gravity which could be provided by a centrifuge. This paper presents a design study for a human-powered centrifuge which could be used aboard the NASA Space Shuttle with analyses which quantify many of the forces produced. Consideration is given to managing reaction forces to changes in centrifuge angular velocity, centrifuge imbalance effects, the effects of gyroscopic moment on spacecraft orientation changes, and torque and power requirements as a function of centrifuge performance parameters. A design concept for a "human powered" centrifuge which could provide both exercise and artificial gravity exposure is also considered.