Title: Finite element analysis to predict the dynamic characteristics of human trunk-neck-head for whole body vibration

Authors: M.S. Alphin, K. Sankaranarayanasamy

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli-620015, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli-620015, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: Finite element analysis is a powerful tool in the biomechanical study to analyse whole body vibration. The objective of this work is to develop a biomechanical model of human trunk-neck-head (above the pelvis level) and analyse its mode shape characteristics using finite element analysis (FEA). A parametric finite element model is developed using solid-works and analysed using ANSYS software. The natural frequencies were obtained for the developed human trunk-neck-head model using free vibration modal analysis, and compared with the results obtained in the past literatures. Mode shapes and deflection due to whole body vibration in all resonance frequency ranges are numerically obtained and interpreted. A total of ten vibration modes were obtained from the finite element model. The principal resonance at 5.11 Hz consisted of a half body mode, in which the head and spinal column move almost rigidly, with axial and shear deformation lower than L₅ occurring in the fourth mode at 18.35 Hz. A bending mode of the entire spine was found in the eighth mode at 33 Hz, which was making a minor contribution to the principal resonance. As in the experimental results, a neck rotation was found in both the ninth mode at 35.26 Hz and in the tenth mode 43.24 Hz.

Keywords: biomechanical models; whole body vibration; vertical vibration; WBV; finite element analysis; FEA; biomechanics; modal analysis; modelling; mode shapes; deflection; spine bending; neck rotation; spinal column; head movement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2011.041635

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2011 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.14 - 25

Received: 17 Dec 2010
Accepted: 31 Jan 2011
Published online: 22 Oct 2014 *

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