Preliminary results on an x-direction apparent mass model of human body sitting in a cushioned, suspended seat

For modelling purposes and for evaluation of driver's seat performance in the vertical direction various mechano-mathematical models of seated human body have been developed and standardised by the international organisation for standardisation. No such models currently exist for human body sitting in an upright or slightly inclined position in a cushioned “armchair” type seat upper part, mounted on a mechanical, pneumatic or other type vertical suspension system. The interaction with the steering wheel and/or pedals has to be taken into consideration, as well as the variable position of the upper part of the human body in respect to the cushioned back-support of a driver's seat (full back contact to no contact at all), as observed in real driving conditions. This complex problem has to be simplified first to arrive at a manageable simpler mechano-mathematical model which still reflects the main problem features.A simple linear model of the human body apparent mass in the x-direction was designed and analysed. The model accounts for the reaction from the steering wheel and contact with the cushioned back-support of the seat “armchair” part. Model parameters were identified on basis of laboratory measurements. Out of three possible variant the most appropriate was singled out. The proposed model describes the measured apparent mass curve, and also gives indicative prediction of vibration transmissibility across the fore-and-aft (x-direction) suspension system, if mounted and enabled. The proposed model can be a starting point for a further research in this field.