Design and Development of Variable-Load Energy Absorbers
Abstract
The objectives of this program were to analyze, design, and test variable-load energy absorber concepts. Such energy absorbers make it possible for the limit load of an energy absorbing seat to correspond to the occupant's weight, thus providing optimum crash protection within a given fixed stroking distance. A prime consideration was retrofittability of the variable-load energy absorbers to seats now equipped with fixed-load energy absorbers. Three concepts were developed and/or tested: a wire-bending mechanism, a tube-constricting mechanism, and a hydraulic energy absorber. Preliminary full-scale working models of the wire-bending mechanism and the tube-constricting mechanisms were built and tested. The hydraulic energy absorber was evaluated by a computer simulation. Different adjustment and control concepts were also evaluated. The tube-constricting mechanism was found to offer the best combination of features and was therefore selected for further prototype development. The prototype variable-load energy absorber utilized an inversion tube process to supply a fixed load sized for the lightest occupant. Additional variable load was supplied for heavier occupants by the tube-constricting mechanism which further deformed the inverted tube. Energy absorbers of this type, together with a remote control selector dial coupled to the energy absorbers by flexible shafts, were installed on an SH-60B crewseat for evaluation in a series of dynamic tests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA103206
Entities
People
- Craig M. Svoboda
- James C. Warrick
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster