A novel model of gravity challenge device

Abstract

Gravity is omnipresent force on the Earth and all living things have evolved under the constant influence of gravity. Some organisms learned to take advantage of this force by using it as a reference in their motion. On the other hand, many studies in living organisms shown that microgravity has a significant effect not only on the systemic level but also on the cellular level. In this study, a new model has been designed for a device that simulates microgravity in outer space. The model is made of acrylic with precise geometric dimensions with capabilities of controlling it in terms of angular velocities for the outer and inner frames, the distance of the sample from the center of rotation, and the time of reversal of the direction of rotation which produces smooth geometric path of the gravity vector of the biological sample. Besides, the designed algorithm has the ability to display the average gravity value of the coordinates (x, y, z) and the total value of the average gravity (G total) in the form of a curved figure in an instantaneous manner. Moreover, this design contributes to reducing the effort and cost of conducting biological studies on living organisms in space and opening new horizons for sciences that deal with the effect of microgravity on living organisms.