Experimental Unit for Determining Body Weight of Astronauts and Light-Weight Objects in Zero-Gravity Conditions

Abstract

The transition of an astronaut into zero gravity leads to a certain restructuring of the body, including the redistribution of fluid flows in it. The process of dehydration of the body is stimulated, the astronaut loses weight. Knowledge of the regularities of changes in an astronaut's body weight, keeping it within normal limits thanks to a rational load distribution, rest, physical exercises, and a well-thought-out diet are extremely necessary in order to provide the astronaut with the most favorable conditions for adaptation in zero gravity, as well as to better prepare him for his return to Earth. Returning materials for scientific research and experiments, as well as equipment, from the space station to Earth also requires high-precision determination of the low weight of objects. The object of the research is an experimental unit that allows measuring the weight (parameters) of the astronaut’s body and the small weight of objects (equipment, devices, etc.) that oscillate. The subject of research is the frequency of natural oscillations of the dynamic system. The purpose of scientific work is the development of an experimental unit for determining the weight of the astronaut’s body and the low weight of objects in zero gravity. Conclusions. An experimental setup for determining the body weight of astronauts and the low weight of objects (control objects – СО) in zero gravity is proposed. For high-precision determination of the weight of the СО in zero gravity, the natural frequency (NF) was chosen as a diagnostic parameter. In the experimental installation, the weight of the OC is determined by changing the NF of the dynamic system "control object – moving anchor" depending on the attached weight of the СO. The essence of the work of the experimental unit is revealed, and its general appearance and structural scheme are presented.