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 | Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands |
| 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
- ^ 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
- ^ 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
External links
- ETH Space Biology Random Positioning Machine
- DESC VU Amsterdam Standard and desktop Random Positioning Machines
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