Research on vibration characteristics between human body and seat, steering wheel, and pedals (effects of seat position on ride comfort)

Experimental results are presented of the vibrational characteristics of th e automotive subsystem comprising the human body, seat, steering wheel and pedals. The magnitude of the vibrations transferred to a driver from the se at, steering wheel and pedals have been measured with both sinusoidal and r andom excitations in the vertical direction at frequencies up to 20 Hz. Mea surement points were located on the surface of the head, chest, hip, thigh, shin, upper arm and lower arm. Eleven subjects were used to investigate th e effect of some variable factors, such as arm angle, that may affect human dynamic behavior. It was found that arm angle in driving posture has a sub stantial influence on the dynamic behavior of the human body while driving. Some results are presented in the form of parametric graphs and tables. Th e results are useful for improving ride comfort, maneuverability and safety . (C) 2000 Academic Press.