The Design and Development of an Energy Absorbing Commuter Seat

The motivation for this project was to design, and develop an aircraft seat to meet the proposed FAA 32g vertical/longitudinal dynamic test requirements specified in NPRM 93-71. A major goal of the design was to develop a production-quality seat in terms of weight, comfort, appearance, simplicity, and manufacturability. The relevant injury criteria was to obtain an occupant lumbar (spinal) load below 6670 N (1500 1bf).

The design incorporated energy absorbing devices in the cushion and chair legs. The seat developed was based on the Beech King Air design and incorporated a modified seat frame, seat back, and reclining mechanism. The seat cushions were provided by Oregon Aero, while the seat pan and seat legs were designed and manufactured at WSU. The seat was evaluated using the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) Impact Dynamics Sled Test facility at Wichita State University, and at the NASA Langley Impact Dynamics Test facility in Hampton, Virginia (SAE Paper No. 951168 - A Review of Structural Behavior and Occupant Responses from a Crash Test of a Composite Airplane by Lisa Jones and Huey Carden).