What roles do centrifuges play in research?
Centrifuges play important roles in research both here on Earth and in space. On Earth, they are used with humans, animals, and plants in experiments designed to test the effects of differing levels of hypergravity. The centrifuges are usually constructed with cabs attached to a rotating arm. By placing the test subject in different positions within the cab, the experimenter can assess the forces, or gravity gradients, that act upon various parts of the subject. In addition, the experimenter can vary the centrifugal force felt by the subject by moving the cab closer or farther away from the center of rotation.
