Why are the Actual G Forces Experienced by Astronauts Less than Predicted?

  • Thread starter ultimateroxas
  • Start date
In summary, astronauts experience less actual g forces than those predicted due to the fact that the predicted gravity only applies to objects with constant velocity. Since the shuttle is accelerating during takeoff, the force of gravity is added to the force of acceleration. This is represented by the equation F=ma, which applies to all objects in the universe.
  • #1
ultimateroxas
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Homework Statement


why are the actual g forces astronauts experience are less than those predicted.


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The Attempt at a Solution



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  • #2
Which G forces? Takeoff? In space? Reentry?
And do you have a number for what the predicted gravity should be?
 
  • #3
I'm pretty sure it's from takeoff
and the gravity should be 9.8
 
  • #4
That 9.8 only applies to things that are moving at a constant speed. Right now I'm sitting in a chair and my velocity in an up/down direction is a constant 0, so gravity is the only thing acting on me. The shuttle has more "gravity" force because the shuttle is accelerating in an updward direction. The Earth's 9.8 gravity still applies, but on top of that you need to add the force caused by shuttle acceleration. F=ma.

In case that sounded weird, 9.8m/s^2 only applies on earth. F=ma applies to everything in the universe.
 
Last edited:

1. What is a G force?

A G force, or gravitational force, is a measure of the acceleration due to gravity. It is often used to describe the amount of force an object experiences when accelerating.

2. How is G force measured?

G force is typically measured in units of "Gs" or "g-forces". This unit is equal to the acceleration due to gravity on Earth, which is 9.8 meters per second squared.

3. What are the effects of G forces on the human body?

High G forces can have a variety of effects on the human body, including increased blood pressure, decreased blood flow to the brain, and loss of consciousness. Long-term exposure to high G forces can also cause health issues for astronauts and pilots.

4. How do G forces impact different types of vehicles?

Different vehicles are designed to withstand different levels of G forces. For example, fighter jets are built to withstand higher G forces than commercial airplanes. Spacecrafts are also designed to withstand high G forces during takeoff and re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

5. Can G forces be harmful?

Yes, high G forces can be harmful to humans, especially if experienced for a prolonged period of time. This is why pilots and astronauts undergo training to learn how to handle high G forces and prevent potential health risks.

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