Accession Number:

ADA142683

Title:

Design and Development of an Automatically Controlled Variable-Load Energy Absorber

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

SIMULA INC TEMPE AZ

Personal Author(s):

• Warrick, J. C.
• Coltman, J. W.

Report Date:

1984-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

70.0

Abstract:

The feasibility of an automatically controlled variable-load hydraulic energy absorber for use in crashworthy seating systems was investigated. In contrast to other systems, this model contained an acceleration-sensing device capable of automatic control to compensate for difference in occupant weight. A series of dynamic crash tests were performed in which the hardware successfully decelerated weights representing those of the 5th- through 95th-percentile occupants to a predetermined constant acceleration. The system was also prepared to a previously developed variable-load energy absorber system in terms of size, weight, cost, reliability, and accuracy. The program concluded that the automatically controlled variable-load energy absorber is capable of providing a predetermined constant deceleration, but recommends further testing with human surrogates to verify the capability of properly protecting human occupants from spinal injury.

Descriptors:

• *ENERGY ABSORBERS
• *AIRCRAFT SEATS
• *CRASHWORTHINESS
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• CONTROL
• DETECTORS
• HUMANS
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• ACCELERATION
• LOADS(FORCES)
• PROTECTION
• RELIEF VALVES
• WOUNDS AND INJURIES
• AUTOMATIC
• TOLERANCES(PHYSIOLOGY)
• DYNAMIC TESTS
• CRASHES
• SPINAL COLUMN
• VARIABLE PRESSURE
• HYDRAULIC VALVES

Subject Categories:

• Aircraft
• Safety Engineering

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE