Accession Number:

ADP011008

Title:

A Static Biomechanical Load Carriage Model

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

DALHOUSIE UNIV HALIFAX (NOVIA SCOTIA) DEPT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Pelot, R. P.
• Rigby, A.
• Stevenson, J. M.
• Bryant, J. T.

Report Date:

2001-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

A two-dimensional biomechanical model of a backpack has been developed which incorporates the primary forces at the shoulder and waistbelt contact points. The model had been validated using instrumented manikins in laboratory experiments. The computer-based formulation allows the user to specify parameters for certain pack features, such as pack mass and volume, and it predicts the resulting contact forces on the bearer. By treating some parameters as decision variables, such as the location of attachment of the shoulder straps to the pack, the model can be used as an optimization tool to achieve a specified objective, such as minimizing the total forces on the bearer. A base case analysis and some van ants illustrate this type of analysis. For the example provided, it is not possible to find a feasible solution within the prescribed shoulder-to-waist load ratio. By freeing up other variables, several alternative solutions are presented. This model can be used to easily examine trade-offs iii certain pack design decisions.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY OPERATIONS
• *LOAD DISTRIBUTION
• *PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
• *LOADS(FORCES)
• *PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
• OPTIMIZATION
• DECISION MAKING
• TOOLS
• VARIABLES
• STRAPS
• SHOULDERS(ANATOMY)
• BIOMECHANICS
• VANS
• FORMICIDAE

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Stress Physiology
• Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE