Model for human controller performance in vibration environments

A model has been developed to predict biomechanical response and human controller performance as a function of vibration environment and tracking-task parameters. The model consists of three major elements: 1) a biodynamic model to predict limb and body motion resulting from platform vibration, 2) a pilot/vehicle model to predict tracking performance, and 3) an interface model to relate changes in certain pilot-related model parameters to biodynamic response. Linearity of biodynamic response mechanisms is demonstrated, and the model is shown to predict accurately the effects of tracking performance of vibration amplitude and spectrum, control gain, R.M.S. tracking input, and direction of vibration input.