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An Energy-Absorbing Seat Design for Light Aircraft
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English
Abstract
Aircraft seats that merely hold the occupants rigidly in place have been satisfactory when considering horizontal or lateral decelerations; but they have not proved sufficient when accidents occur resulting in large vertical deceleration. This deficiency led to the concept of an energy-absorbing seat, which would utilize the space between the seat bottom and the floor to absorb impact energy and reduce accelerations, thereby increasing occupant survival potential.
To establish the seat design strength requirements, a maximum tolerable “g” load was chosen, and the maximum vertical velocity was calculated based on the available arresting distance. The effect of varying passenger weight was investigated, and a weight was chosen for design purposes. This then defined the load-deflection requirements of the seat. Other requirements established that weight and cost be kept to a minimum and that conventional materials and fabrication processes be used.
The development and static and dynamic testing leading to the final design of a lightweight, economical, energy-absorbing seat are described.
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Topic
Citation
Underhill, B. and McCullough, B., "An Energy-Absorbing Seat Design for Light Aircraft," SAE Technical Paper 720322, 1972, https://doi.org/10.4271/720322.Also In
References
- Pesman G. J. Eiband A. M. “Crash Injury.” NACA TN 3775 November 1956
- Turnbow J. W. et al “Crash Survival Design Guide.” USAAVLABS Technical Report 70-22 U.S. Army Aviation Material Laboratory 1970
- Swearingen J. J. “General Aviation Structures Responsible for Trauma in Crash Decelerations.” January 1971
- Pinkel I. I. Rosenberg E. G. “Seat Design for Crash Worthiness.” NACA Report 1332 1957
- Rothe V. E. Turnbow J. W. “Dynamic Crash Tests of Fixed Wing and Rotary-Wing Aircraft as Related To Seat Design.” Aviation Crash Injury Research October 1962