Ada 185658
Ada 185658
Ada 185658
AD-A185 658
Roy W. W.
Robert Krutz, Jr.,M.S.E.E.
Thompson, Ph.D.
.
Arnold G. Krueger
Emily M. Gause, M.S.
April 1987
67 10 6 144
~ ~:-Q~" -
NOTICES
This final report was submitted by the Life Sciences Division, Technology
Incorporated, 300 Breesport, San Antonio, TX 78216, under contract
F33615-81-C-G600, job order 7930-14-42, with the USAF School of Aerospace
Medicine, Human Systems Division, AFSC, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas.
Larry J. Meeker (USAFSAM/VNS) was tne Laboratory Project Scientist-in-Charge.
When Government drawings, specifications, or other data are used for any
purpose other than in connection with a definitely Government-related procure-
ment, the United States Government incurs no responsibility nor any obligation
whatsoever. The fact that the Government may have formulated or in any way
supplied the said drawings, specifications, or other data, is not to be
regarded by implication, or otherwise in any manner construed, as licensing
the holder, or any other person or corporation; or as conveying any rightc or
permission to manufacture, use, or sell any patented invention that may in any
way be related thereto.
The voluntary informed consent of the subjects used in this research was
obtained in accordance with AFR 169-3.
The Office of Public Affairs has reviewed this report, and it is releas-
able to the National Technical Information Service, where it wi)l be,
available to the general public, including foreign nationals.
S
:9
UNCLAiSSIF IED . A r ie r
ORESS
Dc (City, State, and ZIP Code1) 7b. .ADORES S(City, State, anld ZIP Code)
300 Brteeport Human Systems Division (AFSC)
Antonio. TX
Sa3San 78216 Brooks Air Force Base, TX 78235-5301
Sa. NAME OF FUNDING t SPONSORING 8b.OFFICE SYMBOL 9.PROCUREMENT INSTRUMENT IOENTIFICATIO N NUMBER
ORGANIZATION adpCoe(if applicable) F336 15-81-(-0600
Krutz, Robert W., Jr.;i Thompson, Roy W.; Krueger, !Arnold G.; n Gause,2.mi'y M'.
11A. TYPE OF REPORT Ii3b. T:ME COVEFED 4. ATE OFREPORT (Y~a,, W-nth2,0xy)h5 PAGE COUNT
Final FRO ý41o810,J 1987 April15
16.SUPPLEMENTARY NOTATION
17, CC.SATI C~ODES 18. UBJECT TERMS (Continshe)r.-vorle if rn~cessary ao identify by block number)
FIELD GROUP I SBCpýW!,L-Ife Support, AntiaG Suit, UJnifor ~ressure Suit,
17,1 17
06 Multic-iýZpstan Suit, Reticulated Foam Suit, Skin Pressure
IIMeasureffientji PP Ace: ?-A rit,#.ccj- e~ RA~ ~T)&V 76DL 00A W C r,
11 _
19.'~STRCT(Continue on roversa if necessar'y and identify by bibck number) r*~'~
5'PRC r~
'Tic.
A knpressure measuring device tias designed and fabricated to measure pressure actually
applied to the lower bcdy duritg,, anti-G 3uit inflation. This device was used with a
variety of devyclopmerital uvifor*,t~pessure antia suits; basketweave, multipleeipstan, and
reticuliatedtrfbam suit designs were evaluated. kle-sulti iudicated that owing to engiLneering
incompatibilities involving weight, bulk, sizing, fittin~g- and ef~ective precaure loss
attribul~able to friction between the, interdligitized tapes, the canstan approach i4 not al
F practical solution to. developing a uniform-pressure ant;;; g'arment. ...The reticulated-foam
approach shows promise because of a tendency to retain its original shgpe when pressurized
to high pressures. Further development of anti 4lesig9Tis recommended;
Page
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OBJECTIVES . .. .. .... . . .... . . .. . . . . . °
Procedures . .. . . . . . 5
RESULTS*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CONCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... . 35
2odes
iiOTIC .L
. l 4Lr
(tspyj
INSPECTE
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . *' • • 37
Figures
Fig.
No.
iv
Page
Tables
Table
No.
v
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-G LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS:
INTRODUCTION
The Crew Technology Division of the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (U3AF-
SAM/VN) is rtsponsible for developing, testing, breadboarding, evaluating, and
recommending methods of protecting aiworews against hazardous effects of high-G
environments, and for preventing possible cumulative effects of exposure to
acute, chronic, and repetitive high-G conditions over the career-spans of indi-
vidual aircrew members.
OBJECTIVES
2
EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
Equipment
Air
__Pressure
Source
Haind Oerated
OYNTA /Flow Regulators
PFissure
1ret
anti-G sAir
GOULD
Test 2400
ee r o
equale sRecorder
I/ MMHIKIN
|Pressure Dr,
STransducer
ous
nheentob/j, ti i th tier'ie omk maueet hsojc
Ftoure w. Skin pressure measurement system.
Pneumatic Switch Skin Pressure Trackvni Scste1 - The Pneumatic SwCtvh Skin
Pressure Traikin System
a (PSSPTS) is shown schema, cally in Frlure 2.
element Of the system is & flat, pneumatically actuated switch which The focial
is placed
under the antf-G suit. Air pressure in the swpt holds
ic nhe circuit open until
equaled or exceeded by the applied skin pressure. This technique is an adapta-
tion of on* reviewed earlier (5). The original technique, howeve 'r, had a seri-
ou3 inherent objection in the time required to make a measurement. hsojQ
tion Was overcome by automating the entý:,•e system
3
Air
plea r Flowur
LoPofef cut-of
Figusre 2.PPrtcewthainp~suercigsstem.
Figur3.
ulti-hannl skn presuremeasremsuetsse
2.Pneumaticsontrc
Figure l dkne03ice.takn ytm
IIEOAICS IC
AIR
It4LIrr
I i
LEGEND0
;O).O'J •)PIED ,O. VALVE" ,HR
CO4ECT
11 BLEED AW. VALVE
Procedures
5
Ftigure 5. Multi-channel skin pressure *ea5s3rOt~*tt syst.em
electronic control device (front view).
RESULTS
Task 1 - Skin Pressure eas.urement
6
ISIGNAL.
ADJUSTMENT
Second, the liquid 6ladder technique does tend to measure higher pressure as
the volume of water in the bladder is increased. This phenomenon has been dubbed
the "tenting effect" and is represented in Figure 8 at point C. In this Case,
the fluid in the bladder increases its interference with the measured environ-
ment by elevating the suit bladder surface. When enough tension occurs in the
suit bladder skin, there is a tendency to bridge between points, leaving a void
as shown at point C (Fig. 8). The fluid pressure on the suit blta.der skin over
the voided area produces a resultant force which is translated to the test
n 7
TABLE 2. ELECTRONICS CONTROL DEVICE PIN AS SIGNM ENT
T 1,2,3 A + Signal
B,- Signal,
D GrounO
E Open
VB 1,2,3 1 Pressure XDCR + signal
2 Pressure XDCR - signal
3 Pressure signal out
4 Pressure switch (415 VDC)
5 Pressure switch return
6 + 15 VDC CVCC)
V 15 VDC (VEE)
8 Instrument ground
9 open
10 Open
11 115 VAC hot (Blk)
12 115 VAC rtn (Wht)
PRESS SW A Pressure switch (+15 VDC)I
B Pressure switch #1 return
C Pressure switch 02 return
D Pressure switch #3 return
I oeod#
oto
3Ioeod# oto
SUIT BLADOER :"
A
S•TFST BLOMER"
bladder by suit bladder skin tension. Point D represents a special case of the
"tenting" effect (Fig. $). In this case, the opposing surface (i.e., the
manikin) changes are sharp enough to cause bridging. This special case is
important when considering the uniformity.of pressure distribution along and
around the limb.
The PSSPTS technique has the advantage of minimizing the "tenting" effect
described previously. The switch construction consists of two wires attached to
two sections of polyurethane-impregnated nylon taffeta (anti-G suit bladder
material). The taffeta sections are sealed at the edges to create' a small
bladder. When the bladder is completely deflated, two wires touch, closing a
circuit.
10
Skin pressure measuremer.nts Z-e made by automatically inserting a bolus of
air into the switch each time the switch circuit is, closed. When the cirnult
opens, the pressure is released at an adjustable+ rate. Each time the applied
and the
skin pressure equals internal switch pressure, tfe switch circuit closes
cycle is repeated.
AiR
'
COTC
UTAB
t iEMt t EI CAt
PECELE D-BACK VIE
11
C6
UU
-C 6
@2U@@ C C C C C c
0 5 S S 20 2 30 33ad
CAPSTAN PRESSURE (FSIGI
12
- -7 I
ABDOMINAL LN 9
-TICOIM AM
CALF
number and
___ __
labeled.
___I
Each
electrical lead and air hose associated with that switch was also labeled with
the switch number. Each switch was assigned to a specific solenoid, transducer,
and control circuit channel. Connection points for all related electrical and
pneumatic hook-ups in the gondola were correspondingly labeled with the
appropriate channel number. Each channel output was assigned to a specific
amplifier, sll, ring, and recorder channel. Once the system was set up, changes
incomponent channel assignments were avoided.
For prerun calibration of the system, each traiasducer was plumbed in such a
manner as to allow application of a calibrated air pressure from the Datametrics
elctonc anometer. Each transducer/recorder channel (in,2uding C-suit pres-
sure transducer) was zeroed and calibrated against 0 and 10 psig (full range),
respectively. An intermediate pressure of 5 psig was i.sed as a linearity check.
S~After
each transducer/recorder channel was zeroed and ,calibrated, the transducer
m valve was switched from the manometer back to its assij~ned pressure switch.
13
A UWLES5 OTERWISE MARKED, ALL FIXE.D REISMUR ARE Y4 W., 3 %
.471A
XJ)UCER P, ,w
00 --
% -- 790 >
1,
0 14V
,/ ;20 K
P-OUT 3 >
- 5.5 M SP-K
LaV,
GN D > .LN
A/CC) Ii2
100
Data from each switch were recorded, identified, transcribed into tables,
entered into computer reference files, and plotted to show switch pressu'e vs.
fixture (i.e., suit) pressure. Each profile was evaluated for linearity &nd
bias. In event of a switch failure, a replacement switch was calibrated as
outlined.
The skin pressure measurement system was packaged Into three chassis,
suitable for use in the USAFSAM human centrifuge.
Considerable effort was expended to assure that the pressure switch system
accurately measured actual pressure applied to the subject's skin. One factor
influencing skin pressure which was difficult to control during calibration, was
the radius of the surface to which pressure is applied. This problem was solved
with development of a calibration fixture (Fig. 13). This fixture is inflated
slowly, presenting a nearly ideal (i.e., uniform fluid) pressure envelope around
the pressure switch. The fixture design was intended to eliminate radius and
tenting effects, allowing characteristics of the pressure switch and system to
be identified. This design allowed other )hysizal effects of skin pressure
application to be evaluated.
A plot of switch pressure data from all three pressure switches vs. cali-
J
bration fixture pressure yields a linear relationship (Fig. 14). A reasonable
prediction of skin pressure can b derived from the equation of the line
obtained:
p 0.95X + 0.71
where Y represents actual skin pressure and X represents pressure in the switch.
Figure 15 is a scatter plot of error magnitude and frequency between actual
values observed and values predicted by this equation. It appears that skin
pressure may be predicted within + 0.2 psig 90% of the time.
The effect of G-level on switch pressure was then examined. For each of
three different G-levels (+1 Gz, +5 Gz, and +10 G ), three runs for each switch
were undertaken. These data are shown in Figures 16 through 19. We predicted
that there would be no significant differences in switch pressure for different
G-levels, because of the orientation of the measuring devices witW respect to
15
SECTIr•JONA--A
a.
ac 7
*t a-
a., l i ! . , ..--
2
L i IQ
SWITCH PRESSURE (PSIOI
.2 + I I
A. 2 1 A 2 1 2 11 1 .
$ * 1 1 22 11 11 1 221322 2 .
I o 2 2 it 1 121 1 211 1122 21
0 0 + 12 121111 1411323 212 4
U 1 2 2
A1 1 121 111 2 1 1
A :12 1 1 211 11111 12121
L 111 1 11 2211 2
* 11 2 1 it 1 21
-.2 1 2 2 1
* LI
.e 4p
• 1
.
. .. .. .. ,
.,. + ,, + , , . , + . ... . . . ...
SWITCHPR
Results of these statistical analyses support the hypothesis that the range
of G-levels investigated does not affect switch pressure.
1T
I0
- 7 S
U00
21 1 2 3 9
10
87
?
0. 6
3 0'
2
1 3 4 79 1
18
to
4
I Im
O2r4 . . 7 I , ..
SkITt" PRESSURE (PSIGI
to
U 4
a. S1)a sZ6Zees
h19
19
Task 2 - Uniform Pressure Anti-G Suit
A study by Shaffstall and Burton (4) indicated that a uniform pressurt suit
(UPS) would ". . . increase both Straining G-tolerances and relaxei +G
tolerances. We estimate that, in comparison with the five bladder suit, the Uf
suit provided an improvement in relaxed tolerance of at least +1.4 G . .
That same report defined a UPS as one ". . . which applies preasurl evenly
around the circumference of the leg . • ." The suit used in that study used the
pneumatic lever, or capstan, principle for application of pressure to legs and
pelvic region.
Development of a new anti,.; suit based on the uniform pressure (UP) concept
was initially approached by modification of existing capstan (pn3umatic lever)
designs. Subsequently development .f a unique technique, reticulated foam, was
initiated for uniform pressure application.
The pneumatic lever suit is an old concept; it has undergone RDT&E for
approximately 35 years. Although improved G-performance capabilities hav" been
demornstrated for such a suit, several disadvantages have prevented its accept-
.ance as standard USAF equipment. Most of these disadvantages involve pilot
comfort. The pneumatic lever design was also rejected by NASA (2) as a viable
approach because of poor pilot. acceptance. Our approach to a UPS design,
therefore, considered both favorable and unfavorable aspects of present
pneumatic lever designs.
20
appropriate manufacturers. Each letter briefly explained the application
desired, and included a drawing similar to Figure 20. Several manufacturers
responded with offers to develop such a device; however, none indicated any
similar device already in manufacture. This concept was not pursued any
further.
Low High
Source Source
Pressure PrQssure
I haustj 'Ehaust) A
(K)
_
High Low
Pressure _Pressure
Sensing Sensing
Port Port
[(K)P3 (v
Regulated
Pressure
Each capstan tube had a diameter of 2.8 cm (1.1 in.) at 1 psig when mounted
on a manikin with a thigh circumference of 50.8 cm (20 in.) and diameter 16.5 cm
(6.5 in.).
Skin pressures resulting from this system are shown in Figure 21. Data from
locations directly under the capstan tubes (front of leg) and from the back of
the leg, exhibited approximately one-half theoretically expected magnitudes.
Data from locations on interior and exterior thighs were from one-eighth to
one-fifth expected theoretical values. This effect was first attributed to
local radius effects, so a separate test was run using a uniform radius (i.e.,
mounting the test section on a cylinder). Results of tnis test are shown in
Figure 22. In this case, limb diameter was 14.29 cm (5.625 in.) and capstan
tube diameter was 3.18 cm (1.25 in.) for a theoretical capstan skin pressure
ratio of 4.5. indicating that skin pressures on the inside and outside are still
reduced.
21
11p i• R It R
t4p F ItpP
itI
o.~i ,P It
R G N
F ao
O. lIR 0 0O0
It0O i
F 0
N APSA RSUEC~
I NI 0.It It 1
? 0m
aZ F
10 1
C•.pRFSRN0ESUR PS 0
" "5 it S 0 0
It
=r It I t.
) It 0 a
:Fi Ite
@sr F RR I I
o0
1 lp It I i
"oI Io
Figure
22. Skin pressure under low-pressure Capstan section on uniform radius.
22
Basketweave Configuration
8 pFFFF
FrF
F
-j F
FF FI
SS F F 1 0
UF F 0 0 *00
4 F F
2 3 V
F3 F RR
FV0 R R Ro
F R p
3 ~F
ao S 35 Z0 25 3o 35 40
CRPSTRN PRESSURE CPSIGI
Careful inspection of the test section during the tests revealed an explana-
rion for the higher skin pressures. The test section was fitted tightly around.
the manikin and even at full inflation pressure, the capstans were significantly
23
flattened by the interdigitized tapes. As a result, the capstan cross-section
appeared more like ellipses than circles; thus, the effective radius of each.
capstan bearing on the interdigitized tapes is significantly lengthened.
U2 I. .
11 to 21,
= II
U U
ta
i * I , 3 . I
241
small-lon g (in approximat~ely equal nuabers). The subcontractor (ILC Space
5y~st.ems) for .hi eff ort wAs 'therefore instructed to build one medium-regular
and one. sMall-long multiple capstan UP suit. Figure 25sosa poinofa
ILC dtawing of the proposed'design.
"Alo"
WKNIMMU/
Oft"
WWLMN 0hft
Figure
25. IW~tWutpecpsa nfrmpesr at- ut
A sample~~~~~~~W
set ofcluain wsdvlM ortemdu-eglrsi
~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~IO
IL.C~ s iiawasi acltosi
intutdt ll ae. Te ai r
cipl ofthecalulatonswastha th sui wold e cntiuousy ajusabl fo
25
Limb-to-Capstan Pressure Ratio was calculated by the relationship:
R zX ~ NDal
P 0
P D
where
D a Diameter of capstan
D Diameter of limb
N a Number of capstans
P0 s Pressure in capstan
P, : Pressure in limb
Ru Pressure ratio x P:1 '
Data in Table 3 were developed, using this relationship. These data show
that for a maximum limb diameter of 20.22 am (7.96 in.) and a minimum diameter
of 17.37 cm (6.84 in.), corresponding to a maximum upper thigh circumference of
63.5 cm (25 in.) and a minimum circumference of 54.61 cm (21.5 in.) for a
medium-regular suit size, continuous adjustment could be achieved with a capstan
diameter adjustment range from 2.79 cm (1.1 in.) to 4.45 cm (1.75 in.) (Table
3). This capstan diameter adjustment range should have ;roduced a pressure
ratio adjustment range from 0.35 to 1.3, which should have been suffim.ient for
test purposes. This range also established a requirement for approximately 5.08
cm (2 in.) of suit circumference adjustment to accommodate the capstan diameter
changes over and above the 8.89 cm (3.5 in.) circumference adjustment required
for the medium-regular size variation. A capstan adjustment range of 2.79 cm
(1.1 in.) to 4.45 cm (1.75 in.) was calculated to provide the actual pressure
ratio ranges shown in Table 4.
Initial Plans were to conduct multiple capstan suit runs with a variety of
capstan pressure to skin pressure ratios to determine the ratio which afforded
the greatest +G tolerance/endurance. We discovered early in the testing
program, however, that calculated capstan to skin pressure ratios could not be
achieved;, with the capstans set for a 1:1 pressure transfer only a 4:1 pressure
transfer was actually attained.
A single capstan anti-G concept has been extensively assessed in the past.
Most studies pointed out advantages of this concept over standard anti-G suits
in regard to comfort and/or +G. protection. The studies also pointed out severe
operational deficiencies, such as the requirement for two pressure sources, one
for the capstan and one for the abdominal bladder.
The multiple capstan approach would eliminate one of the more profound
problems of the single capstan design: the need for two pressure sources. In
an effort to determine once and for all whether the multiple capstan approach
could be used for an operational anti-G suit, we attempted to attain the
greatest possible pressure transfer from the capstans to the subject's skin. A
total of 32 centrifuge runs were conducted. Twenty-seven runs were conducted
26
TABLE 3. PRESSURE RATIO AND CAPSTAN DIAMETER CALCULATED FOR
CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENT OF MULTIPLE CAPSTAN UP SUIT*
Number of aapstans
6 5 4I 3 2
max min max min max min fmex min max mi
1.32 1.10 1.10 .88 .88 .66 .66 .144 .44 .28
1.7T5 1.46 1.75 1.- 1.75 1.31 1.75 1.17 1.75 1.1
1.53 1.28 1.28 1.02 1.02 .77 .77 .51 .51 .32
1.75 1.46' 175 1T.4 1.775 1.73-2 1.75 1.16 1.75 1.1
Ra P1 2 ND0
Pc D
Da Diameter of capstan
D1 z Diameter of limb
27
TABLE 4. PRESSURE RATIO (R) RANGES PRODUCED BY ADJUSTMENT OF
CAPSTAN DIAMETER FOR MULTIPLE CAPSTAN UP SUIT*
Number of capstanx
6 4 3 2
max min max min max min max min max min
.32 .83 1.1A .69 .88 .55 .66 .41 .44 .28
P. NDa
28
with subjects wearing the standard CSU-13B/P suit, and 5 runs with the multiple
capstan suit. Skin pressure data were collected on 15 runs. The runs with the
standard anti-G suit were conducted to establish and maintain a reliable +Gz
simulated air combat maneuver endurance level among our subjects.
Problems were encountered with suit fit and an inetfficient webbing system.
The best approach to overcoming these problems appeared to be custom-fitting of
the suit and a new webbing system which minimized friction between tapes and
entanglement. To this end, Technology Incorporated made the following recom-
mendations:
1. Have ILC optimize design of the webbing network, fit during seated
posture, and size and placement of abdominal bladder;
Leg clearances were measured in the F-16 and F-15 cockpit mockups at USAFSAM
to determine the availability of room inside the foot wells for the use of
capstans on legs of the anti-G suit. This evaluation was done with a 60th per-
centile subject. The evaluation suggested that only .64 cm (.25 in.) of room
was available on either side of the leg in the F-16 cockpit in the absence of
the suit, resulting in only 20.32 cm (8 in.) available for application Of the
capstan concept across the top of the thigh. In the F-ý15 cockpit, this was
29
Increased to approximately 33.02 cm (13 in.) due to the increased leg room of
3.493 cm (1.375 in.) on either side of the leg,
The problems of weight, bulk, and sizing of the multiple capstan suit
contributed to a lack of acceptance of this suit design. Technology Incorpo-
I
rated turned to an alternate UPS design concept, reticulated foam, &s an
approach to further research and development of lower body uniform pressur-
ization.
Anti-G suit thigh sections were also designed and fabricated as a part of
this ILC effort. The foam selected and built into the thigh section: demon-
strated that it could withstand internal pressures of greater than 28 psi
without forming aneurysms (weakened areas) in the foam. Thigh sections were
subsequently evaluated by Technology Incorporated on a -manikin leg using our
skin pressure measuring system to record pressure transferred from the suit to
the surface of the manikin. Pressures measured on the manikin thigh averaged
approximately 80% of those measured in the reticulated fopm thigh section. Skin
pressures equal to those in the reticulatad foam thigh .-ection were recorded in
many areas. Points showing the least pressure transfer were under the creases
formed when the section was wrapped around the thigh, and under indentations in
30
the hard polyurethane covering. By comparison, only a 25% pressure transfer
efficiency was achieved with the multiple Capstan s3it.
Development of the reticulated foam anti-G suit was divided into two phases
with fabrication (Phase 1) subcontracted to ILC Dover. Phase I ended with the
delivery of 3 thigh sections which showed promise for future developtient, The
thigh sections were tested by Technology Inioorporated for applied pressure, fill
time, and material integrity. Phase 11 consisted of fabrication, test, and
evaluation of complete anti-G suits made from reticulated iam. Covering
materials were a urethane-coated Kevlar for the outer restraint layer. Suits
were constructed to be worn under a flight suit and sized to fit the 5th to the
95th percentile in the medium-regular size range.
Configuration of each suit was modular. Suits differed in the thigh and
calf sections in that one was of 1.27-cm (0.5-in.), 80 psi foam bonded to both
inner and outer layers. The double-sided bonding of this suit limited inward
expansion of the suit and encased the legs in a rigid cylinder.
The second suit Was manufactured with a 0.64-om (0.25-in.) foam bonded to
the outer layer only. This alt transferred to the skin, as a minimum, the
pressure supplied by the anti-G valve (i.e., a 1:1 ratio).
Manikin testing of both the "bladder" and "cylinder" G-suits was conducted
concomitantly with the human centrifuge testing. Inflation rates were measured
for beth the reticulated foam (REF) suits Iand the standard five-bladder suit
(CSU-13B/P). Rates of inflation (psig 3 ) to 5 psig of ,he 3 suits were
compared, and are shown in Table 5.
In verification of the slow filling time for the REFB, both subjects who
have worn the suit during human centrifuge runs have complained that the abdom-
inal bladder was still filling after they had reached a high +G plateau. The
Cause of this slow filling time is probably a combination of the small inside
diameter, 0.64 cm (0.25 in.), of the tubes supplying the bladders and the larger
volume of the REFB suit, compared to the standard CSU-13B/P suit.
Manikin tests with the REFC suit, which incorporated the platform-design
abdominal bladder in its initial configuration, revealed, that thi. bladder
failed at the heat-sealed rib under static tests to 5 psig. The 1.27-cm (0.5
in.) foam thigh/otlf bladders and platform design abdominal bladder had been
fitted to the manikin and fill times to 5 psai were being recorded when failure
occurred.
We notified ILC, Dover and a new abdominal bladder was fabricated. The
thigh/calf bladders of 1..7-cm (0.5 in.) roam bonded to both sides were also
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
TABLE S. ANTI-G SUIT RATE OF INFLATION
(psugs"1)
Suit Bladder
REF cylinder
(REFC) 9.5 10.0 10.5
CSU-13B/P 11.0 11.0 11.0
REF bladder
(REFB) 141.0 14.5 141.0
Two subjects wore the REFB suit during runs on the human centrifgie. Both
subjects complained of pain around the knees. Pain was accompanied by
considerable p~techiation in one of the subjects.
A brief summary of findings from work with both the multiple capstan and
reticulated foam anti-G suits is included as Appendix A. This paper entitled
"Current Research and Development of Anti-G Suits" was ao-authored by Drs. Krutz
and Darrah. This paper was also presented at the 1983 SAFE Symposium in San
Antonio, Texas, and subsequently published in Hazard Prevention (May/June 1985).
32
D1SCUSSION
Several important points were observed with respect to this anti-G suit
concept. First* the multiple capstan produced almost twice the skin pressure
produced by the basketweave configuration design. Second, the front and rear
(top and bottom) pressure tracked closely, implying that the majority of pres-
sure losses occurred in the capstan/interdigitized tape sections, rather than
along the skin surface. Third, the response was linear and repeatable, implying
that the nonlinearity and scattering seen in other experiments is due to local
topology and edge effects rather than inherent flaws in the system.
The multiple capstan configuration had the same inherent comfort disad-
Ventage as the standard capstan. The amount of "slack" allowable around a limb
was even reduced (i.e., the smaller capstan circumference provides less slack
when inflated). This slack might be significantly relieved by changing from 6
capstans to 3 or 4, but at the expense of Increased interference in the cockpit,
since their diameter would be proportionally increased.
The multiple capstan approach had an excellent potential for gradient pres-
sure application. That gradient may be locally aad regionally controlled. For
example, using 6 tubes, 1 tube might run the entire length from waist-to-ankle
similar to the conventional capstan. A second tube would run the length from
groin-tu-ankle along the lipper interior gradient of the leg. Four other
bladders would be spread between these two, around both upper- and lower-leg
sections.
The sec.ond effort, jus3 mentioned, was to elucidate which features of the
modified capstan suit set it. apart from the CSU-13 B/P. Among those distinctive
features, we hoped to find an explanation of its improved performance. The
following observations appear to be significant.
First, capstan suits apply pressure over the maximum possible surface areas.
From an engineering point of view, this is an efficient and desirable way to
accomplish the physiological o&als of G-protection. Efficiency is defined here
in terms of the magnitude of skin pressure per square inch which is required to
accomplish a given increase in peripheral resistance of the vascular tree.
33
a given amount of vascular compression can be accomplished with significantly
less applied force per square inch.
The third noteworthy feature of the modified capstan suit was the design of
the abdominal bladder. 3pealfiaally, the abdominal bladder was built in such a
manner as to restrict its ultimate growth. Anyone who has worn a CSU-13 B/P
G-suit inflated to 8 psi will testify to the amount of effort required to
counteract the sensation of being squeezed into two pieces at the abdomen.
Rather than augment the M-1 straining maneuver, we surmised the stress imposed
upon the subject at these pressures may, In fact, impair his straining.
There were several probable reasons for the lower than expected pressure
transfer encountered in testing the Multiple Capstan suit, Suit fit unquestion-
ably played an important role; i.e., to most efficiently apply pressure to the
skin using the capstan concept, the suit must be tight fitting. Ideally, the
suit should be custom fitted for each individual. The 5 subjects in this study
required a medium-regular suit according to data furnished in the 1979 ANRL
anthropometric study (1). The one suit available was extreaely difficult to
individually size, requiring several hours per subject; and even then, a
completely correot fit was not attained.
Some of the problems with suit fitting were due to the wide range of subject
sizes covered in the six-size tariff proposal for anti-G suits. Unfortunately,
the multiple capstan anti-G suit is, in reality, not an anti-G suit, but rather
a partial pressure suit. From pressure transfer considerations, a better fit
could probably be achieved with the twelve-size tariff, Furthermore, if the
suit had been constructed like a partial pressure suit (with excess fabric In
the seat), the problem experienced with the suit riding up in front and down in
back when the subject was seated, could have been prevented. There was not
enough take-up in the laces controlling capstan diameter size W14en the suit was
comfortably fitted to the subjects. Conceivably, there were subjects in the
mediumz-regular size range whom the suit would have optimally fit; however, we
did not find them among the subjects available to us.
Another area qf the multiple capstan suit which definitely had a negative
effect on pressure transfer was the webbing network. There was excess friction
between the interdigitized tapes and probably entanglement of the tapes under
the capstans.
It was difficult to correlate the increased G-tite tolerance attained from
wearing the multiple capstan suit with any measured parameter. Certainly the
skin pressures were much less and there did not appear to be a significant
difference in the uniformity of circumferential pressure application between the
capstan and standard anti-G suit. Nevertheless, the significant increases In
G-time tolerance achieved in the Shaffstall-Burton study (4) and the increases
in G-level tolerance reported In previous studies with "uniform pressure"
concepts are valid data and the mechanism for the observed increases should be
explored.
One obvious reason for the apparent superiority of the multiple capstan suit
is the application of counterpressure to a larger area of the legs. This
34
uniform pressure would prevent the pooling of blood in areas which are not
counterpressurized by the standard anti-G suit.
Analysis suggested that even with the ideal conditions for performance and
fit of the anti-G suit, a 25% pressure transfer ratio would be obtained. There-
fore, it appeared that the multiple capstan concept was not the most physically
effective way to apply uniform pressure to the body. We found ro solid engi-
neering approach for increasing this transfer ratio. Furthermore, the problems
of weight, bulk, sizing, and fitting would still have to be solved before the
suit would be an acceptable item of life-support equipment.
Although no firm conclusions can be drawn, two situations are apparent which
will impact future reticulatec foam anti-G suit designs:
CONCLUSIONS
For the last four decades, numerous attempts have been made to improve on
the increased G-tolerance afforded by the standard cutaway five-bladder anti-G
suit. The results of this research have indicated that G-tolerance, which is
defined as the maximum G-leval which can be attained, is indeed separate from
G-endurance, or sustained performance at a given (-level(s) once attained. To
35
attain a higher level, the extreme importance of the abdominal bladder has been
demonstrated. Also the relatively greater importance of leg counterpressure
(albeit a low pressure), once the G-level was reached and sustained performance
is desired, was demonstrated.
Comparison of the multiple capstan suit with the standard CSU-13 B/P design
was undertaken in an effort to better understand reasons for the superior per-
formance of the capstan suit when G-endurance is considered. Capstan suits
apply pressure over the maximum possible surface areas, resulting in improved
efficiency in magnitude of skin pressura per square inch needed to accomplish a
given increase in peripheral resistance of the vascular tree. For a given
amount of vascular compression realized, capstan suits produce significantly
lower skin pressures per unit of surface area than does the CSU-13 B/P suit.
This phenomenon may contribute to increased G-endurance during ACM profiles. We
initially thought that the abdominal bladder design of the modified capstan suit
offered advantages over that of the CSU-13 B/P suit; the bladder was built in
such a manner as to restrict its ultimate growth reducing the sensation of being
excessively squeezed in the abdominal region. This idea proved not to be the
case and the necessity of diaphragm support during high-onset rate G was demon-
strated.
Even with ideal conditions for performance and fit of the multiple capstan
anti-G suit, a .25% pressure transfer ratio would be obtained. It, therefore,
appeared that the multiple capstan concept was not the most effective way to
apply uniform pressure to the body. Furthermore, problems of weight, bulk,
sizing, and fitting would still have to be solved before the suit would be an
acceptable item of life-support equipment.
Studies of the reticulated foam anti-G suit outlined several areas requiring
further development before this type of suit can be fully evaluated. First,
significant diaphragm support is presently required, even for highly trained
subjects. This concept indicates that the optimal abdominal bladder configu-
ration lies somewhere between a "platform" bladder and the enlarged standard
design bladder (i.e., perhaps the standard anti-G suit abdominal bladder). This
UPS concept provides uniform pressure in a suit which does not expand to any
appreciable degree during inflation to high pressure, and therefore is compat-
ible with the limited space in the F-16 between the center console and leg
restraints. This fact argues well for its continued development.
36
be interrupted to meet our needs, during which time the size requirements
changed for our human centrifuge volunteer subject panel. New subjects had to
be selected and trained during a time-consuming process.
These studies have once again confirmed the urgent need for an in-house
facility at USAFSAM to both fabricate and modify prototype life-support
equipment. An outline for such a facility is included as Appendix B.
REFERENCES
37
APPENDIX A
CURRENT RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT
OF ANTI-G SUITS
By Robert W. Krutz, Jr. Ph.D.
and Mark I. Darrah, Ph.D.
Technology Incorporated
Life Sciences Division, San Antonio, TX 78216
BILTY SMPO
MAINAIN IUMRAMS Program Chairman
January 21, 22, 23, 1986 IBM Corporation
Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, NV 3124 Belmont Avenue
Vestal, NY 13850 USA
Design, Production, Support: Authors will be notified of Program
Let's Put I t All Together! Committee decisions during June 1985.
Full text drafts will be required by August
SUBMITTAL DEADLINE - MAY 1,91985 1S. 1985 for review. Comments from this
PAPEF1 SUBMiTTAL REQUIREMENTS review will be returned to the authors by
September 17. Final camera ready papers
If you wish to prtsent apaper, now istne receive no further consideration. There- must be submitted not later than October
time to contact us. Wfe need the followtng fore. it is essential that your initial submis. 15. 1985 and must be accompanied bythe
as soon as possible but May 1. 1985 is sion be carefully prepared. authors signed Wrense for oub~ication in
the deadline. All papers must be new and must not the Symnposium Proceedings. These dates
0 For each author and coauthor have been presented at a nationai meeting do not have slack. and~authors saould fully
Name prior to the Symposium. Papers presented recognize thle cespo-. -hility of tItair corn-
Work address and phone number at lucal meetings are acceptable. Authors mitment to this scý -,;-,I when the initial
Home address and phone num~ber must indicate the status of any previous or submittal is made.
Brief biographical sketch planned presentation!/publication of the The Annual Reliability At Main-
te0nsae-onte.tern-
Paper Title must not exceed 50 let- tl l material
subject umtaseoehpoeto
covered in their submit- tainability
S~'DR Symposium EER is vr'wnsored
E by:I
terswill sruncaes -out thm.h rit thl. Almposiubmitan$bcannothbe proertyrnod ASQIA ASiE - iEE SOL - ESSS
-
a Paper Summary shall not be more TEfN COPIES of each author's (and - SRE.*
thitn 1000 wvords structured in the follow-
ing thrne sections:
( 1) Piobiemns or Qti:stiuns addressed NOTE: Erv Clean Isorganizing a System Safety Session forth, 19868 RAMS.
(2)
erfomedThose
ork interested In presenting a System Safety paper at the 19865 RAMS
3) oRkslt Performe should send the, requested material to Mr. Anderson and also send a copy
ConcResults Rachd/o to Mr. Dean at this address:
Please note that initial screening for Mr. Rev Deon
HAZARD PRE'r'I7MON1
APPENDIX B
INTRODUCTION
41
c, Producing laboratory prototype equipment to serve as models for
industrial production.
In the longer term, the proposed facility would provide a pool of in-house
expertise in detailed design and fabrication of aircrew PPE. Such expertise
would enhance significantly the extent of detailed design guidance available to
industry.
Supervisor-Technician
One person who is familiar with all forms of aircrew PPE, PPE design, oper-
ation, test, and servicing requirements would be involved in hands-on fabrica-
tion of items. This person would also act as supervisor of the laboratory and
all lab personnel. Knowledge of basic garment pattern drafting techniques,
garment construction, and sizing techniques, including use of adhesives and
polymeric materials for pressure garment application is required. The ability
to interpret ideas submitted by scientific and technical staff and to translate
basic ideas to the equipment production stage is essential. A basic knowledge
of fabric and allied materials properties,as well as associated test.procedures,
is desirable.
42
Seamstresses-Tailors
Two persons who are experienced in machine sewing of precision garments are
required. The ability to interpret clothing patterns and garment assembly
instructional data, to cut component pattern parts to precision templates and
to construct complete garments to instructions and/or sealed samples. This
work involves use of adhesives in the construction of pressure-holding garments
and willingness to undertake this type of work is essential. Experience in use
of adhesives for garment construction is desirable although on-the-job training
will be provided.
Support Services
a) Electrical power adequate for-lighting and equipment operation (to
be determined).
b) Hot and cold water supply (and drainage) for lab sink, wash basin,
and shower unit.
a) C•,.'~rezsed e.., medical grade) supply with appropriate regulators
for garment test inflation.
e) Telephone ser,.
Furnishings and Fixtures
43
a) Lavatory and towel dispenser.
Plant Machinery
44
Line-length measuring wheel
COST ESTIMATE
A preliminary estimate of costs is based on the assumption that appropriate
laboratory space (approximately 13.72 m x 6.71 m x 3.05 m (45 ft by 22 ft by
10 ft high)), with adequate air conditioning; water, electrical and clean air
supplies, and oxygen services is available onsite. A detailed analysis of
estimated costs for set-up of the proposed laboratory facility is attached
(Table B-1); a schematic diagram of the laboratory is also N-aze-hed (Fig. 8-1).
45
TABLE B-i. PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
Sewing machines
4 heavy-duty, spertalized machines 6,000
motors, support stands, lights
Expendable supplies
includes 25-m rolls Of 10 fabric stocks 4,500
46
-A SOP
e %4jr
M C. I.A'te7. TO A
Ph / IPAS6&
fT4RN
1ra~~ %T ~
I...I II ,.'.t
Figure B-1. Schematio layout of outline proposals for an in-house facility for
the modification and production of developmental aircrew personal
protective equipment.
447
44
m lb
I.'L
Ilz
U.0
0E