Measurement and Modeling of Human Performance Under Differing G conditions

摘要

A synthesis of past literature on cognitive skills identified by pilots as being critical in the acceleration environment was performed. These skills include various kinds of decision making, tracking, spatial orientation, time/velocity estimation, perceptual speed, visual function, and instrument reading. Since the literature base on these skills is far from complete, a new test battery designed specifically to address these cognitive skills was developed. The 'G-Performance Assessment Simulation System' (G-PASS) consists of twelve cognitive performance tests designed to be used in the centrifuge, and consists of both stand-alone' tests and others that are presented within an aerodynamically accurate simulation of the F-16 aircraft. In addition, to utilize these data in a user-friendly model, the 'G-effective' hemodynamic model developed previously has been adapted to the available performance data. The end product of these efforts is the 'G-Tool to Optimize Performance' (0-TOP). This is a model-based graphical presentation of the second-by-second effects of any G profile on nine cognitive functions. The user simply specifies the desired profile and the decrement in each cognitive function is automatically calculated and displayed as an integrated, dynamic picture - a 'Cognitive Vulnerability Map' (CVM).