Development of a biomechanical model of the human body in a sitting posture with vibration transmissibility in the vertical direction

Abstract

This study developed a biomechanical model of the human body for evaluating the vibration transmissibility and dynamic response to vertical vibrations in sitting posture. The biomechanical model consists of several lumped masses connected by linear spring and dampers. This model was selected from eight structural model after fitting measured data of apparent mass, vertical and rotational vibration transmissibilities to the head of five individuals on a vertical exciter vibrating under random signals. The proposed model describes the experimental data much better than the Matsumoto-Griffin model. Relevance to industry: The mechanical response of human body can be predicted well using our biomechanical model in vibrating environment such as in the driving vehicle. This model will help in ride quality simulation and designing vibration isolator such as seat. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.