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Hazard potential of ejection with canopy fragmentation
W Y Chiou1, B L Ho, D L Kellogg
1Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Air Force General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Ejection seat canopy fragmentation poses minimal risk of superficial injury. However, spinal injury remains a concern, with risk varying based on pilot size, highlighting the need for further safety considerations in aircraft escape systems.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Human Factors Engineering
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Ejection seat systems are critical for pilot safety in aircraft emergencies.
- Canopy fragmentation during ejection presents potential hazards to occupants.
- Assessing injury risks associated with ejection systems is vital for aircrew protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hazard potential of ejection with canopy fragmentation.
- To measure impact loads and noise levels during simulated ejections.
- To assess the risk of spinal injury using the dynamic response index (DRI).
Main Methods:
- Conducted 14 horizontal sled tests using tandem ejection seats with anthropometric dummies.
- Simulated ejections at speeds of 0, 150, 350, and 600 knots.
- Fired miniature detonating cords (MDC) in nine tests to fragment the canopy; five tests without MDC firing.
- Measured neck, knee, and shoulder impact loads; recorded noise levels and acceleration waveforms for DRI calculation.
Main Results:
- Minor visible damage to dummies and equipment occurred, irrespective of MDC firing.
- MDC firing significantly reduced mean neck loads (from 231 kg to 108 kg, p < 0.05).
- Mean DRI for smaller dummies was significantly higher than for larger dummies (20.8 vs. 18.05, p < 0.05).
- Noise levels averaged 162 dB when MDC were fired.
Conclusions:
- Superficial injuries from canopy fragmentation are not a significant hazard.
- Spinal injury risk following ejection may range from 5% to 50%, influenced by pilot size.
- Further research into mitigating spinal injury risks in ejection scenarios is warranted.