what is gforce

G-force is a measure of acceleration, expressed in units of standard gravity (g) . One g is the acceleration we feel due to the force of gravity on Earths surface above sea level, which is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared. G-forces are used to measure rapid acceleration or deceleration commonly experienced by astronauts, pilots, race-car drivers, and roller coaster riders. The g-force experienced by an object is due to the vector sum of all gravitational and non-gravitational forces acting on an objects freedom to move. In practice, these are surface-contact forces between objects, which cause stresses and strains on objects since they must be transmitted from an object surface. The term g-force is technically incorrect as it is a measure of acceleration, not force. High g-forces may be destructive and cause compressive stress and tensile stress on objects. G-forces, when multiplied by a mass upon which they act, are associated with a certain type of mechanical force that produces compressive stress and tensile stress. Humans can develop tunnel vision and eventually lose consciousness when subjected to high g-forces for even a few seconds, a condition known as g-LOC (g-induced loss of consciousness) . Controlled exposure to rapid acceleration, such as g-force training in centrifuge machines, can prepare the human body for rapid acceleration.