Design and Development of an Automatically Controlled Variable-Load Energy Absorber
Abstract
The feasibility of an automatically controlled variable-load hydraulic energy absorber for use in crashworthy seating systems was investigated. In contrast to other systems, this model contained an acceleration-sensing device capable of automatic control to compensate for difference in occupant weight. A series of dynamic crash tests were performed in which the hardware successfully decelerated weights representing those of the 5th- through 95th-percentile occupants to a predetermined constant acceleration. The system was also prepared to a previously developed variable-load energy absorber system in terms of size, weight, cost, reliability, and accuracy. The program concluded that the automatically controlled variable-load energy absorber is capable of providing a predetermined constant deceleration, but recommends further testing with human surrogates to verify the capability of properly protecting human occupants from spinal injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA142683
Entities
People
- J. C. Warrick
- J. W. Coltman