Mechanical and physiological effect of partial pressure suit: Experiment and numerical study

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Pilot protection during high-altitude flight is critical.
• Partial pressure suits are essential for high-altitude aviation.
• These suits can significantly impact pilot circulatory physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physiological effects of partial pressure suits.
• To understand the mechanism of partial pressure suit function.
• To model the hemo-physiological responses to partial pressure suit use.

Main Methods:

• Ten subjects participated in flight simulation experiments.
• Physiological parameters including heart rate, mean arterial pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance were measured.
• A numerical model was developed to simulate the suit's physiological effects.

Main Results:

• Non-uniform counter-pressure distribution was observed across body parts.
• Total peripheral resistance showed a linear relationship with pressurizing level.
• Heart rate and mean arterial pressure increased with pressure, while stroke volume and cardiac output decreased.
• The numerical model accurately simulated and predicted physiological changes verified by experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the physiological impacts of partial pressure suits.
• A validated numerical model offers a tool for enhancing pilot protection.
• This research contributes to optimizing aerospace protective gear design.