Validation of SOM-LA Occupant Response

Program SOM-LA (Seat/Occupant Model - Light Aircraft) has been developed for use in evaluating the crashworthiness of aircraft seats and restraint systems. It combines a three-dimensional dynamic model of the human body with a finite element model of the seat structure. The seat analysis has the capability to model large displacements, nonlinear material behavior, local buckling, and various internal releases for beam elements. Simulation results are compared with test data for several impact orientations and for two restraint system configurations, including the use of a lap belt alone.