Title: Cushions and suspensions: predicting their effects on the biodynamic responses of humans exposed to vertical vibration

Authors: Suzanne D. Smith

Addresses: Armstrong Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7901, USA

Abstract: Analytical models of the human body are a potential tool for optimizing vehicle seat cushion and seat suspension design parameters to aid in minimizing the effects of whole-body vibration. The objective of this study was to apply three human body models to evaluate and compare the predicted effects of seat cushions and a low frequency (1-2 Hz) seat-suspension on human whole-body mechanical impedance and transmissibility. The three degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) and five degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) human body models predicted similar cushion effects at low frequencies: increased vibration transmission to the torso or chest. The 5-DOF model was also effective in predicting cushion effects at higher frequencies: decreased transmission of vibration to the spinal column. Both the 3-DOF and 5-DOF models were substantially more effective in predicting the effects of cushions on human resonance behaviour than the model that represented the human body as an equivalent rigid mass. It was found that all three human body models predicted similar human biodynamic effects for the combined cushion and low frequency seat-suspension.

Keywords: human models; vehicle seats; seat cushions; vehicle suspension; biodynamic responses; humans response; vertical vibration; analytical modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.1997.054593

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 1997 Vol.4 No.2/3/4, pp.296 - 316

Published online: 18 Jun 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article