Physics - Human Tolerance to g-forces, acceleration limits, physiology

[Albertgauss]

Hi all,

Does anyone know what physics limits human tolerance to extreme g-forces? I know the average human can take g-forces 5-7 g, and a fighter pilot, with training and a G-suit can maybe get up to 12 g. And people can survive g-forces higher than this for a very short time. I know all the effects of extreme g-forces; eyeballs popping out, dimming vision etc, but why do these effects occur, and why do they occur around 10g from a physiological standpoint? What happens in the cells and atoms of a human being that falls apart when humans accelerate a lot? What is the weakest part of the human body at the organ, cell, tissue level that breaks up when the acceleration is too large for too long (corresponding to large forces)? Any articles are appreciated if anyone knows of any.

 

[berkeman]

Hi all,

Does anyone know what physics limits human tolerance to extreme g-forces? I know the average human can take g-forces 5-7 g, and a fighter pilot, with training and a G-suit can maybe get up to 12 g. And people can survive g-forces higher than this for a very short time. I know all the effects of extreme g-forces; eyeballs popping out, dimming vision etc, but why do these effects occur, and why do they occur around 10g from a physiological standpoint? What happens in the cells and atoms of a human being that falls apart when humans accelerate a lot? What is the weakest part of the human body at the organ, cell, tissue level that breaks up when the acceleration is too large for too long (corresponding to large forces)? Any articles are appreciated if anyone knows of any.

The physics is about the lowered systolic blood pressure in the brain/head. The physiology is about the lowered perfusion of the cells in the brain (and eyes) from the lowered systolic blood pressure in the head. Nothing to do with eyeballs popping out. The lowered perfusion of cells in the brain (and eyes) causes the LOC (loss of consciousness) and loss of vision.