Computational Analyses of Ejection Seat Cushions for Optimal Control of Spinal Injuries

Investigations were made on computational analyses of ejection seat cushions, which include the characterization of the impact properties of ejection seat cushions, computational modeling of an ejection seat cushion system using a rigid multi-body dynamics program, parametric optimization of the cushion impact properties, and global sensitivity analysis of the safety performance of a cushion to its impact properties. The results indicate that computational analyses can be used to effectively evaluate and improve the cushion performance in the prevention and reduction of spinal injuries.