REAPPRAISAL OF BIODYNAMIC IMPLICATIONS OF HUMAN EJECTIONS

Abstract

Vertebral compression represents a significant percentage of the morbidity associated with upward ejection. Vertebral and intervertebral structure reacts to and is sometimes irreversibly altered by ejection acceleration. Design and material properties of the normal vertebral column are sufficiently constant that when structural characteristics are defined and acceleration profiles known, prediction of failure may be made. Compressive load analyses of vertebra-disc complexes have demonstrated that the vertebral endplates are the initially failing structures of the spinal column. From experimental data on vertebral breaking-loads, acceptably accurate probability- of-injury curves for static loading have been generated. These data together with data describing the dynamic response characteristics of the human body permit calculation of the probability-of-injury for dynamic loading produced by exposure to impact accelerations. As an aid to the designer of ejection systems, application of these concepts should refine the estimate of 'safe' acceleration profiles and minimize the risk of irreversible vertebral deformation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1968
Accession Number
AD0708776

Entities

People

  • G. C. Mohr
  • H. E. Von Gierke
  • John H. Henzel

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Body Weight
  • Bone Fractures
  • Cartilage
  • Compressive Strength
  • Dynamic Response
  • Ejection Seats
  • Escape Systems
  • Joints (Anatomy)
  • Materials
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Mechanics
  • Medical Personnel
  • Spinal Column
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Spine
  • X Rays

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.