Vertical Impact Tests of a Proposed B-52 Ejection Seat Cushion
Abstract
A series of vertical impact tests were conducted to compare the impact response of a proposed seat cushion to the response of the existing B-52 ejection seat cushion and a baseline no-cushion configuration. The vertical impact tests were conducted at a magnitude of 10 G using the AFRL/RHPA Vertical Deceleration Tower (VDT), and using a small and large instrumented manikin weighing approximately 103 lb and 217 lb respectively. Five impact tests were conducted per test configuration with each manikin. Instrumentation was used to measure manikin head and chest accelerations, seat pan and seat cushion accelerations, and seat pan and restraint system loads. The impact safety of the proposed cushion was determined by comparing peak seat cushion accelerations and peak seat pan loads. Any differences that were found in the peak loads and accelerations were related to a change in the probability of spinal injury, which was determined using the Dynamic Response Index. Evaluation of the data indicates that the proposed seat cushion slightly improved the response of the large manikin weighing 217 lb, and significantly improved the response of the small manikin weighing 103 lb. The small manikin's lumbar loads were reduced by approximately 20%. The risk of spinal injury for the small manikin was reduced by approximately 65% for an 18 G input simulating the B-52 catapult.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA519316
Entities
People
- Chris E. Perry