Closed-loop, estimator-based model of human posture following reduced gravity exposure

A computational and experimental method is employed to provide an understanding of a critical human space flight problem, posture control following reduced gravity exposure. In the case of an emergency egress, astronauts' postural stability could be life saving. It is hypothesized that muscular gains are lowered during reduced gravity exposure, causing a feeling of heavy legs, or a perceived feeling of muscular weakness, upon return to Earth's 1 g environment. We developed an estimator-based model that is verified by replicating spatial and temporal characteristics of human posture and incorporates an inverted pendulum plant in series with a Hill-type muscle model, two feedback pathways, a central nervous system estimator, and variable gains. Results obtained by lowering the variable muscle gain in the model support the hypothesis. Experimentally, subjects were exposed to partial gravity (3/8 g) simulation on a suspension apparatus, then performed exercises postulated to expedite recovery and alleviate the heavy legs phenomenon. Results show that the rms position of the center of pressure increases significantly after reduced gravity exposure. Closed-loop system behavior is revealed, and posture is divided into a short-term period that exhibits higher stochastic activity and persistent trends and a long-term period that shows relatively low stochastic activity and antipersistent trends.     

等离子喷涂Al_2O_3涂层的电击穿机理

采用大气等离子喷涂技术在铜基体上沉积了Al2O3涂层。采用XRD和SEM对涂层微观结构进行了表征。通过探讨孔隙率和吸潮行为对绝缘性能的影响,分析了等离子喷涂Al2O3涂层结构与电绝缘失效机理的关系。结果表明:等离子喷涂Al2O3涂层较致密,界面结合较好。随涂层厚度不同其孔隙率在5%~7%范围变化。等离子喷涂Al2O3涂层结构中的孔洞是电绝缘失效的主要部位且呈典型电晕击穿形貌。电晕击穿诱发的裂纹沿击穿方向扩展形成击穿隧道。击穿方向与电极极性无关而由击穿孔洞位置决定。涂层厚度与涂层击穿强度呈现倒数关系。吸潮会诱发导电通路形成降低Al2O3涂层抗击穿能力。