IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Evaluation of anthropodynamic dummies intended for laboratory seat testing under vibration

Abstract

Using a simulator that reproduces a vehicle’s vibration environment, laboratory tests can determine whether suspension seats efficiently fulfill their function of reducing vibration. Defined by an ISO standard, the current test method requires the participation of human subjects of varied weights in evaluating the performance of these seats, which causes various difficulties. Anthropodynamic dummies have therefore been developed for this purpose. For the first time, independent researchers from the laboratories where these dummies were developed have evaluated two of these mechanical systems, and compared their efficiency. Inert masses, equivalent to the dummies, have also been evaluated. The results suggest that the use of inert masses equivalent to the dummies provides a good estimate of the response of the seat/occupant system when vibratory excitation predominates at low frequencies or for seats with low resonance frequencies. However, when excitation at higher frequencies predominates or when a seat has a higher natural frequency, the use of dummies allows a better estimate of the attenuation

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-2090
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2006
Team:
  • Paul-Émile Boileau (IRSST)
  • Hugues Nélisse (IRSST)
  • Subhash Rakheja (Université Concordia)
  • Jérôme Boutin (IRSST)
  • Christian Sirard (IRSST)
  • Pierre Drouin (IRSST)