SAHC

Short Arm Human Centrifuge

The innovative Short Arm Human Centrifuge for space medicine and life science experiments under artificial gravity conditions – designed by AMST for DLR in Cologne @ :envihab

Needs

Next generation Short Arm Human Centrifuge designed by AMST for the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne

Solution

The SAHC called :envifuge at the German Space Centre (DLR) :envihab is equipped with an outstanding scientific platform to investigate the effects of long duration artificial gravity and hyper gravity.

Based on the past experience and on a large number of centrifuge experiments, DLR and AMST have developed a unique research and training device in the field of artificial gravity called :enviFuge. It is a new and innovative research device for future studies on the effects of artificial gravity on the human body.

The system is designed to perform following complex training exercises whilst spinning:

Video

:enviFuge installation

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Features

High level of modularity and adaptability in order to meet future needs

Centrifuge Hub

The centrifuge hub consists of three main assembly groups, main arm with rail guides and spindle drives, two secondary arms (detachable) with rail guides and spindle drives, a lattice arm equipped with a robotic- and a motion capturing system.

Centrifuge Lattice Arms

On the main arm, the spindle length is dimensioned that the nacelle can be moved over the centre of rotation. It has two payload bays that can house customer’s specific devices. The lattice arm carries the motion capturing system and a robotic arm. On the secondary arms, it is possible to attach customised nacelles.

Subject Nacelles

There are three different nacelles. The standard nacelle is designed for subjects at lateral or supine position. At the foot end are two tri-axial force plates. Instead of the force plate, a vibration plate can be mounted. Alternatively, to the standard nacelle there is a lightweight sledge available for performing squats or a nacelle with a bicycle ergometer.

Technical Parameters

Key technical parameters, dimensions and equipment

Dimensions and performance
  • Radius 380 cm at outer perimeter
  • Radial acceleration max. 6 g @ 370 cm
  • Angular velocity max. 4 rad/s ≈ 38 rpm
  • Maximum angular acceleration 0,133 rad/s2 from 0 g to 6 g in 30 sec
  • Spinning direction CW and CCW
  • Noise level ≤ 40 dBA
    Power distribution
    115/230 VAC
  • 12/24 VDC
Hardware
  • Centrifuge arms 1 main arm capable to operate 2 opposite mounted nacelles and
    2 detachable secondary arms with one nacelle each
  • Translation Individual translation of the nacelles with max. 10 mm/s during rotation
  • Range of translation Main arm: 2450 mm (until heart level @ centre of rotation)
    Secondary arm: 250 mm to 880 mm depending of subject height
  • Subject height 150 cm to 210 cm
  • Payload 150 kg per nacelle (4x)
    100 kg per payload bay (2x)
Subsystems
  • Monitoring of physiological parameters ECG; HR; BP; RF; SpO2 for max. 4 subjects simultaneously
  • Motion capturing system 6 Cameras with a resolution of movement of 10 mm
  • Remote control
    • via robotic arm with 5 DOF
    • jump plate
  • Exercise devices
    • cycle ergometer
    • vibration plate
  • Surveillance
    •  Audio
    • Video
    • Intercom

References

SAHC :envifuge at :envihab – Germany 2013

The contract was awarded to AMST on 16th December 2011 and handover took place on 5th July 2013 at the DLR in Cologne.