Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
12:29
Coherence between Brain Cortical Function and Neurocognitive Performance during Changed Gravity Conditions
Published on: May 23, 2011
19.6K
Pulmonary Contusion Risk Assessment in Astronauts During Off-Nominal Earth-Return Capsule Landings.
Xin Ma1, Dongmei Wang2, Yutan Wang1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, Ningxia, China.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|September 4, 2025
Summary
Astronaut capsule landings pose risks for severe pulmonary contusion (PC). A 37.1g impact is identified as a critical threshold for life-threatening lung injury, especially in the right lung's S5 segment.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Aerospace Medicine
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Astronaut safety during off-nominal capsule landings is critical.
- Understanding severe pulmonary contusion (PC) mechanisms is vital for crew survival.
- Existing injury thresholds for space landing impacts require refinement.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate injury mechanisms and vulnerable regions for severe pulmonary contusion (PC) in astronauts during high-g capsule landings.
- Establish critical injury thresholds for astronaut thoraco-pulmonary trauma.
- Identify specific lung segments and associated risk factors for severe injury.
Main Methods:
- Simulated six high-intensity landing scenarios (≤52.1g) using a drop-tower and Hybrid III ATD.
- Utilized THUMS FEM to model thorax-pulmonary dynamics in a 40° supine posture.
- Assessed injury risk via Viscous Criterion (VC), strain/strain-rate, and AIS criteria.
Main Results:
- A 37.1g impact resulted in a 25% probability of AIS 4+ PC and 19.5% probability of 3+ rib fractures (RF).
- The medial segment of the right middle lobe (S5) was the most vulnerable region, impacted by costal arch and liver compression.
- Right lung injury was more severe than left; 1st, 9th, and 10th rib fractures exacerbated lung trauma.
Conclusions:
- Defined 37.1g as the critical threshold for AIS 4+ thoraco-pulmonary trauma.
- Elucidated the S5 compression mechanism and its link to high-risk rib fractures (1st, 9th, 10th).
- Provides a biomechanical basis for improved astronaut survival protocols, triage, and protective countermeasure design.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Impact: Problem Solving
257
In an experiment conducted during a Mars mission, a rover propels a projectile with an initial velocity, and the projectile rebounds after colliding with the Martian surface. To ascertain the maximum height attained by the projectile after this collision, the known restitution coefficient and acceleration due to gravity are employed.
By designating the launch point as the origin and utilizing kinematic equations, the vertical component of the projectile's velocity at the point of impact is...
By designating the launch point as the origin and utilizing kinematic equations, the vertical component of the projectile's velocity at the point of impact is...
257
01:26Pneumothorax-I
337
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
337
01:23Assessment of Respiration
1.3K
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
1.3K
01:26Flail Chest-II
234
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
234
01:27Pneumothorax-II
352
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
352
01:24Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
4.7K
Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
4.7K