Determination of Human-Seat-Interaction in Vertical Vibrations in MADYMO

The importance of automotive comfort is increasing, both socially and economically. Especially professional drivers often have comfort-related physical complaints, such as lower back pain. In addition, car manufacturers can use comfort to distinguish their cars from their competitors. However, the development and design of a new, more comfortable car seat is very time consuming and costly. The use of computer models of human and seat could facilitate this process. MADYMO human and seat models offer the possibility to predict comfort.

This paper describes the application of the MADYMO multi-body 50^th percentile human model for determination of human-seat interaction in vertical vibrations. The validation of the human model is based on volunteer tests with both a rigid seat and a standard car seat. The human model shows a good correlation with the volunteers. Investigation of the forces acting in the human spine shows that maximum loading appears in the lumbar spine and the lower thoracic spine.