Random positioning machine

random positioning machine
Other names 3D clinostat
Uses rotates biological samples around two independent axes to eliminate the effect of gravity
Inventor T. Hoson
Manufacturer Dutch Space
Related items clinostat, free fall machine

A random positioning machine, or RPM, rotates biological samples along two independent axes to change their orientation in space in complex ways and so eliminate the effect of gravity.[1]

Description

The RPM is a more sophisticated development of the single-axis clinostat. RPMs usually consist of two independently rotating frames. One frame is positioned inside the other giving a very complex net change of orientation to a biological sample mounted in the middle. The RPM is sometimes wrongly referred to as the "3-D clinostat(which rotates both axis in the same direction, i.e. both clockwise)". It is a microweight ('microgravity') simulator that is based on the principle of 'gravity-vector-averaging'. RPM provides a functional volume which is 'exposed' to simulated microweight.[2] .

See also

References

  1. Jack J.W.A. van Loon (2007). Some history and use of the random positioning machine, RPM, in gravity related research. Advances in Space Research 39: 1161-1165
  2. A. G. Borst, J.J.W. A. van Loon. Technology and Developments for the Random Positioning Machine, RPM. Microgravity Sci. Technol., 2008. DOI 10.1007/s12217-008-9043-2


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