Computer Simulation Of An Aircraft Seat And Occupant In A Crash Environment Volume 1 Technical Report

A mathematical model of an aircraft seat, occupant, and restraint system has been developed for use in analysis of light aircraft crashworthiness. Because of the significant role played by the seat in overall system crashworthiness, a finite element model of the seat structure is included. The seat model can accommodate large plastic deformations and includes the capability for simulation of local buckling of bending members. Because the program has been written for use primarily by engineers concerned with the design and analysis of seat and restraint systems, an effort has been made to minimize the input data required to describe the occupant. This volume of the final report discusses development of the mathematical model of the occupant, the finite element seat analysis, validation, and organization of the computer program.