BIODYNAMIC SIMULATIONS OF AN AIRCRAFT PILOT/PASSENGER IN VARIOUS CRASH ENVIRONMENTS

A simple multiple-segment model 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. The constructed model is used to simulate the post-crash behavior of an aircraft pilot or passenger during surges such as frontal/side collisions and crashes in the vertical plane. To perform a dynamic analysis, a three-dimensional code is developed that generates and numerically solves the governing differential equations of motion in a systematic fashion. This feature of generality allows future additions to the present simple model or construction of more advanced models in a convenient way. The computerized model and the results of the simulations provide a base for predicting the motion behavior of the human body parts during crashes, understanding the effects of various types of seats and seatbelts on passenger safety, and design of mechanisms for crash protection and cockpit/cabin interior elements.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Institute for Aviation Research

  the Wichita State University
  Wichita, KS  United States  67208-1595
• Authors:
  • Lankarani, H
  • Ma, Dongfang
  • Ermer, G
• Publication Date: 1990-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 23 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pilots; Aircraft; Airline pilots; Crash victim simulation; Dummies; Passengers; Postcrash phase; Simulation
• Old TRIS Terms: Post-crash
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Passenger Transportation; Research; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00615058
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: NIAR 90-6
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1991 12:00AM