Biodynamic Simulations of an Aircraft Pilot/Passenger in Various Crash Environments

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Biodynamic Simulations of an Aircraft Pilot/Passenger in Various Crash Environments

H. Lankarani / D. Ma / G. Ermer

A simple multiple-segment of the human body is developed in order to examine its dynamic response under the action of external forcing conditions. The system is modeled as a collection of rigid elements interconnected by an array of kinematic joints constraining the relative motion of the elements. These elements include upper body combined with head and neck, lower legs, and thighs. Nonlinear rotational springs are incorporated at the joints accounting for the anatomical characteristics and limits. The constructed model is used to stimulate the post-crash behavior of an aircraft pilot or passenger during surges such as frontal/side collisions and crashes in the vertical plane. A mathematical representation of the seat and interaction of the passenger with the seat cushion and back is developed. Restraints representing the seatbelts are also introduced in the model in a few different configurations. The complete model is then subjected to various pulse accelerations or decelerations in different directions.