Human hibernation for space travel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human hibernation for space travel - Essay Example Hibernation or winter sleep is the condition normally found in animals. Under this condition, there is a reduced heart rate with significant drop in the body temperature and metabolism. In case of mammals the body temperature reaches 2-4?C above the freezing point, while the organism consumes little oxygen as low as 2% of normal rates. Under such conditions an animal could stay without movement or food and does not require much energy (Long term space travel). The phenomenon could be exploited for humans when they travel interstellar distances. During this process activities like parks, plants, hospitals are negligible and individual is required to sleep with the onset of journey and then steady state is maintained with a slow supply of fresh air and low temperature constantly till the end of the journey. This is less energy consuming process as compared to daily routine activities (Long term space travel). In a study at North Carolina University geneticists have revealed the presenc e of genes capable of producing enzymes critical for hibernation. The presence of such genes is reported in humans. They are responsible for accountability of energy conservation process of body. Of these two genes, the first is capable of producing an enzyme that can breakdown their fat deposits to generate energy. On the other hand the second hibernation gene is concerned with conservation of glucose supply to the body. The conservation process takes care to supply required energy to central nervous system for the sustainability of life.

Carbon fiber & glass fiber research (formula student car body) Coursework

Carbon fiber & glass fiber research (formula student car body) - Coursework Example Though the ribbons are primarily parallel on the surfaces of a carbon fiber, the inner layers of the fiber fold during a "hairpin† fashion. This is quite distinct to graphite in which the carbon sheets remain parallel. The great strength of carbon fiber is attributed to the interlocking and folding of ribbons (Mahrez, Mohamed & Katman, 2005). This means that the carbon atom sheets cannot slide past one another as in graphite. Carbon fibers are produced through controlled pyrolysis of organic precursors. Through the heat treatment of the precursor oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are removed and carbon fibers remain. Mechanical properties of carbon fibers are enhanced by increasing the orientation and crystallinity, and through reducing defects within the fiber (Moran, 2004). The most effective way to achieve this is to start out with a highly oriented precursor and then maintaining the high orientation in the stabilization and carbonization through tension. The two main applications of carbon fibers are in specialized technologies, that include nuclear engineering and aerospace and normal engineering which embrace engineering elements like bearings, gears, fan blades, cams and automobiles (Oribi Manufacturing, 2011). There are new applications of carbon fibers like rehabilitation of a bridge in building and construction, decoration in aviation interiors, musical instruments and automotive and also after-market transportation merchandise (Oribi Manufacturing, 2011). The conductivity of carbon provides extra new application in electronic industry. The table below illustrates a number of characteristics and applications of carbon fibers. Glass fiber is a flexible glass material. The basic building block of glass fiber is a mixture of silica sand and other ingredients like borates. Glass fiber in fabric gives the best combination of properties like high strength and fire resistance. Its