Optimization of Underbody Blast Energy-Attenuating Seat Mechanisms Using Modified MADYMO Human Body Models
Kelly E B Bosch1, Ann Bailey Good2, E Meade Spratley3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, 818 W Hancock Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|February 5, 2021
Summary
Energy attenuating (EA) seats were optimized using a virtual tool to improve occupant protection during vertical underbody blasts. This modeling approach reduces pelvis and lower spine injuries by tuning EA seat mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomechanics
- Occupant Protection Systems
Background:
- Energy attenuating (EA) seats are used in aircraft and spacecraft but lack full characterization for vertical underbody blast scenarios.
- Existing EA seats use stroking mechanisms to absorb energy and mitigate vertical forces on occupants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a virtual tool for optimizing energy-attenuating seat designs to enhance occupant protection against vertical underbody blasts.
- To determine optimal force and deflection limits for EA seats to reduce pelvis and lower spine injuries.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dynamic rigid-body modeling with a mathematical dynamic model (MADYMO)-modified human body model (HBM) and a basic EA seat model.
- Integrated an optimization sequence using modefrontier software to tune EA seat response.
- Updated the MADYMO HBM with postmortem human surrogate (PMHS) data from simulated underbody blast tests to improve kinematic response fidelity.
Main Results:
- The optimization tool successfully identified critical design configurations for EA mechanisms.
- Demonstrated the ability to reduce pelvis and lower spine forces and accelerations in the HBM to presumed noninjurious levels.
- Validated the tool's capability to tailor EA mechanism designs by varying input parameters like occupant size and blast severity.
Conclusions:
- The developed virtual tool is effective for optimizing energy-attenuating seat designs for vertical underbody blast protection.
- This tool can be applied to military seat development and shared with manufacturers for improved occupant safety.
- The methodology allows for tailored evaluations of EA mechanism designs based on specific occupant and blast conditions.
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