Finite element modelling of human-seat interactions: vertical in-line and fore-and-aft cross-axis apparent mass when sitting on a rigid seat without backrest and exposed to vertical vibration

Abstract

Biodynamic models representing distributed human-seat interactions can assist seat design. This study sought to develop a finite element (FE) model representing the soft tissues of the body supported by seating and the vertical in-line apparent mass and the fore-and-aft cross-axis apparent mass of the seated human body during vertical vibration excitation. The model was developed with rigid parts representing the torso segments, skeletal structures (pelvis and femurs) and deformable parts representing the soft tissues of the buttocks and the thighs. The model had three vibration modes at frequencies less than 15 Hz and provided reasonable vertical in-line apparent mass and fore-and-aft cross-axis apparent mass. The model can be developed to represent dynamic interactions between the body and a seat over a seat surface (e.g. dynamic pressure distributions and variations in seat transmissibility over the seat surface).

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: The three-dimensional FE model of the human body represents the in-line apparent mass and cross-axis apparent mass measured on a seat. With deformable soft tissues it can assist seat design by representing dynamic human-seat interactions, such as pressure distributions and variations in seat transmissibility over a seat surface.

Keywords::

• apparent mass
• cross-axis
• biodynamic modelling
• finite element model
• vibration modes

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.