Title: A review of high G-stress induced problems and their solutions

Authors: Sharda Vashisth; Munna Khan; Ritu Vijay; Ashok K. Salhan

Addresses: Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, The Northcap University, Gurgaon, Haryana, India ' Electrical Engineering Department, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, India ' Electronics Department, Banasthali University, Banasthali, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India ' Biomedical Instrumentation Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Delhi, India

Abstract: G stress can debilitate pilots of modern fighter aircraft and consequence accidents due to G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC). The physiological effects of high G stress include reduction in head level blood pressure and cardiac output that subsequently results loss of vision and G-LOC. The body's natural resistance system helps the pilot to fight against the effects of G stress to some level. To understand the medical and physiological consequences of high G forces on humans, research around the world is conducted using centrifuges, tilt tables, lower body negative pressure (LBNP) devices, etc. Physiological effects due to G-stress are experienced by the pilot on the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. Many physiological, environmental and habitual conditions are found responsible for decreasing the G-tolerance. Mechanical, physiological and educational countermeasures are suggested to protect the pilots of high performance aircraft against the extreme acceleration. Expected inventions of more manoeuvrable aircrafts will possibly demand the use of advanced countermeasures to protect the pilots from the effect of high G forces.

Keywords: centrifuge; G-tolerance; G-induced loss of consciousness; G-LOC; high G forces; physiological response; tilt table; high G stress; fighter aircraft pilots.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEI.2017.080924

International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2017 Vol.9 No.1, pp.47 - 60

Accepted: 16 Feb 2016
Published online: 12 Dec 2016 *

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