Response of the seated human body to whole-body vertical vibration: biodynamic responses to sinusoidal and random vibration

The dependence of biodynamic responses of the seated human body on the frequency, magnitude and waveform of vertical vibration has been studied in 20 males and 20 females. With sinusoidal vibration (13 frequencies from 1 to 16 Hz) at five magnitudes (0.1–1.6 ms^? 2 r.m.s.) and with random vibration (1–16 Hz) at the same magnitudes, the apparent mass of the body was similar with random and sinusoidal vibration of the same overall magnitude. With increasing magnitude of vibration, the stiffness and damping of a model fitted to the apparent mass reduced and the resonance frequency decreased (from 6.5 to 4.5 Hz). Male and female subjects had similar apparent mass (after adjusting for subject weight) and a similar principal resonance frequency with both random and sinusoidal vibration. The change in biodynamic response with increasing vibration magnitude depends on the frequency of the vibration excitation, but is similar with sinusoidal and random excitation.     

Apparent mass matrix of standing subjects exposed to multi-axial whole-body vibration

This paper describes the experimental characterisation of the apparent mass matrix of eight male subjects in standing position and the identification of nonlinearities under both mono-axial and dual-axis whole-body vibration. The nonlinear behaviour of the response was studied using the conditioned response techniques considering models of increasing complexity. Results showed that the cross-axis terms are comparable to the diagonal terms. The contribution of the nonlinear effects are minor and can be endorsed to the change of modal parameters during the tests. The nonlinearity generated by the vibration magnitude is more evident in the subject response, since magnitude-dependent effects in the population are overlaid by the scatter in the subjects’ biometric data. The biodynamic response is influenced by the addition of a secondary vibration axis and, in case of dual-axis vibrations, the overall magnitude has a marginal contribution.

Practitioner Summary: We have measured both the diagonal and cross-axis elements of the apparent mass matrix. The effect of nonlinearities and the simultaneous presence of vibration along two axes are smaller than the inter-subject variability.     

Analysis of non-linear response of the human body to vertical whole-body vibration

The human response to vibration is typically studied using linear estimators of the frequency response function, although different literature works evidenced the presence of non-linear effects in whole-body vibration response. This paper analyses the apparent mass of standing subjects using the conditioned response techniques in order to understand the causes of the non-linear behaviour. The conditioned apparent masses were derived considering models of increasing complexity. The multiple coherence function was used as a figure of merit for the comparison between the linear and the non-linear models. The apparent mass of eight male subjects was studied in six configurations (combinations of three vibration magnitudes and two postures). The contribution of the non-linear terms was negligible and was endorsed to the change of modal parameters during the test. Since the effect of the inter-subject variability was larger than that due to the increase in vibration magnitude, the biodynamic response should be more meaningfully modelled using a linear estimator with uncertainty rather than looking for a non-linear modelling.     

Finite element modelling of human-seat interactions: vertical in-line and fore-and-aft cross-axis apparent mass when sitting on a rigid seat without backrest and exposed to vertical vibration

Biodynamic models representing distributed human-seat interactions can assist seat design. This study sought to develop a finite element (FE) model representing the soft tissues of the body supported by seating and the vertical in-line apparent mass and the fore-and-aft cross-axis apparent mass of the seated human body during vertical vibration excitation. The model was developed with rigid parts representing the torso segments, skeletal structures (pelvis and femurs) and deformable parts representing the soft tissues of the buttocks and the thighs. The model had three vibration modes at frequencies less than 15 Hz and provided reasonable vertical in-line apparent mass and fore-and-aft cross-axis apparent mass. The model can be developed to represent dynamic interactions between the body and a seat over a seat surface (e.g. dynamic pressure distributions and variations in seat transmissibility over the seat surface).     

Modal analysis of human body vibration model for Indian subjects under sitting posture

Need and importance of modelling in human body vibration research studies are well established. The study of biodynamic responses of human beings can be classified into experimental and analytical methods. In the past few decades, plenty of mathematical models have been developed based on the diverse field measurements to describe the biodynamic responses of human beings. In this paper, a complete study on lumped parameter model derived from 50th percentile anthropometric data for a seated 54- kg Indian male subject without backrest support under free un-damped conditions has been carried out considering human body segments to be of ellipsoidal shape. Conventional lumped parameter modelling considers the human body as several rigid masses interconnected by springs and dampers. In this study, concept of mass of interconnecting springs has been incorporated and eigenvalues thus obtained are found to be closer to the values reported in the literature. Results obtained clearly establish decoupling of vertical and fore-and-aft oscillations.     

Does body mass index increase the risk of low back pain in a population exposed to whole body vibration?

The aim of this study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) influences the risk of low back pain (LBP) in a population exposed to whole body vibration (WBV). For this a self-administered questionnaire was sent to 467 participants, driving occupational vehicles. Vibration measurements were performed according to ISO 2631-1 on a representative sample (n=30) of this population. For each participant, we calculated the current root mean square (r.m.s.) over an 8 h (A(8)) working day. The questionnaire response rate was 47% (n=221). We did not find a significant correlation between BMI and the onset of LBP in the last 7 days (r=0.07, p=0.34) nor for LBP in past 12 months (r=-0.30, p=0.63). No significant increased risk was found for the onset of LBP with the increase of BMI, neither for the last 7 days (OR 1.02; 95% CI: 0.93-1.23) nor for the past 12 months LBP (OR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.89-1.09). Introducing the interaction with WBV exposure in the logistic regression model, did not result a significant increased risk in the onset of LBP-7 days (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.92-1.01) nor in the onset of LBP 12 months (OR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.93-1.01) either. Occupational participants exposed to WBV, with a high BMI do not have an increased risk for the development of LBP.     

六自由度无人动力伞的动力学建模

针对动力伞的动力学研究,建立了全量模型研究无人动力伞飞行中动态特性问题。在惯性系下从牛顿力学基本原理出发,用矢量方法推导无人动力伞的动力学方程;经过坐标转换,得到动力学方程在体轴系下的形式,并补充运动学方程,使方程组满足封闭性要求,从而建立完整的矢量动力学模型。通过两个仿真算例,分析了动力伞实施推力和航向舵下偏控制的飞行特性,验证了模型的合理性。     

MEMOSIK V—An active dummy for determining three-directional transfer functions of vehicle seats and vibration exposure ratings for the seated occupant

In collaboration with some of the German automotive industry OEMs, an active vibration dummy called MEMOSIK V, was defined in response to their specific requirements for vibration comfort. The topics described in this paper shall deliver an insight into a selection of the development phases of this development project.

An active, three-dimensional vibration dummy is described with the newly developed MEMOSIK V, which simulates the human dynamic behavior by reproducing an equivalent dynamic mass. This vibration dummy qualifies for replacing the occupant as a test object and measuring instrument and allows the objective and repeatable measurement of the vibration transmission from the vehicle base to the buttocks and the back through the vehicle seat.

Based on extensive measurements of the dynamic mass of the sitting man in the fore-and-aft, the lateral and the vertical direction, the objective functions of the vibration dummy are deduced through a modal identification approach. By integrating these parameterized functions in the control system, the dynamic behavior of the dummy can be adapted to the mass percentiles F05, M50 and M95, as well as to individual people by the software managed modification of the controller setup. The variation in posture is guaranteed for the complete design range of passenger car and commercial vehicle seats. The integrated measurement system permits the objective and repeatable rating of the human exposure ISO 2631-1, 1997. Mechanical vibration and shock—evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration—general requirements] as well as the evaluation of seat transfer functions considering all three directions in space, both on simulator platforms and in mobile use on the road.

Relevance to the industry

Considering the rating of seating and vibration comfort, the automotive industry has to meet the challenge to establish a relationship between the subjective comfort sensation and the objective and measurable physical quantities. Hence, the demand for a measurement system that makes it possible to acquire, reproduce and comprehend the circumstances that define seating and vibration comfort is great and ascending continuously.     

Influence of reading format on reading activity under uniaxial whole body vibration

In a railway vehicle, the vibrations are transmitted to the passengers through the various interfaces such as floor, seat, backrest etc. These vibrations affect the passenger comfort as well as their performance to do any work such as reading, writing, typing etc. In the present work, effects of vibration magnitude, direction of vibration, postures and reading formats have been studied on the reading activity. Thirty healthy male subjects have performed reading task, one at a time. All subjects were exposed to uni-axial whole body vibration in 1–20 Hz frequency range at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m/s² rms vibration magnitude. The experimental task involved reading a paragraph under the different 54 experimental conditions (three magnitude, three direction, two posture and three reading format). The task performance has been evaluated in terms of time taken by the subjects to read a given paragraph and also the subjective evaluation of perceived difficulty on Borg's CR 10 scale. Perceived difficulty and performance degradation in reading have been found to increase with the increase in vibration magnitude in each direction of vibration. The perceived difficulty and performance degradation in reading have been observed to be higher in the fore-&-aft direction in with-backrest posture. In vertical and lateral vibration, perceived difficulty and performance degradation have been higher in without-backrest posture compare to with-backrest posture. The perceived difficulty and performance degradation have been lower for the triple-column format.     

Evaluating worker vibration exposures using self-reported and direct observation estimates of exposure duration

The objective of this study was to compare objective and subjective methods of collecting exposure time data for hand arm vibration (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV), and to evaluate the impact of inaccurate exposure times’ on the calculation of the average vibration exposure over an 8 h working day A(8).The study was carried out in the engineering services and maintenance departments of a construction and property management company. Worker exposure time data was collected using three methods, questionnaire surveys, daily worker interviews and 8 h direct workplace observations. Vibration magnitudes (m/s²) were measured for a range of hand tools and vehicles, and daily vibration exposure estimates A(8) were calculated using exposure times observed, reported in interview and self reported in the questionnaire.Results from the study showed that self-reported exposure time estimates from the questionnaire survey were a factor of 9.0 (median value) times greater for HAV and a factor of 6.0 (median value) times greater for WBV when compared with direct observation estimates. Exposure times reported in interview were higher, than those observed, but more reliable than those self reported in the questionnaire; a factor of 2.1 (median value) times greater for HAV and a factor of 1.4 (median value) times greater for WBV. A(8) values calculated using questionnaire exposure times were up to 66% and 75% greater for sources of HAV and WBV respectively when compared to A(8) values calculated using observed exposure times.For the purposes of carrying out a reliable risk assessment, results from this study indicate that direct measurements of worker exposure time are not recommended over questionnaires especially where work is highly variable for example in construction and property management. Worker interviews or direct workplace observation methods were found to be reliable alternative methods for collecting exposure time.     

Developing a simplified finite element model of a car seat with occupant for predicting vibration transmissibility in the vertical direction

The transmissibility of seat depends on the dynamics of both the seat and the human body, and shows how the amplification and attenuation of vibration varies with the frequency of vibration. A systematic methodology was developed for finite element (FE) modelling of the dynamic interaction between a seat and the human body and predicting the transmissibility of a seat. A seat model was developed to improve computational efficiency before models of the seat pan and backrest were calibrated separately using load–deflection and dynamic stiffness measurements, joined to form the complete seat model, and integrated with the model of a manikin for further calibration. The calibrated seat model was combined with a human body model to predict the transmissibility of the seat. By combining a calibrated seat model with a calibrated human body model, and defining appropriate contacts between the two models, the vibration transmissibility with a seat–occupant system can be predicted.     

Seated body apparent mass response to vertical whole body vibration: Gender and anthropometric effects

The gender and anthropometric effects on apparent mass characteristics of the seated body exposed to vertical vibration are investigated through laboratory measurements. The study was conducted on 31 male and 27 female subjects, exposed to three levels of vertical vibration (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 m/s² rms acceleration) in the 0.50 to 20 frequency range, while seated without a back support and against a vertical back support. The apparent mass responses were analyzed by grouping datasets in three ranges of mass-, build- and stature-related parameters for the male and female subjects. Comparisons of responses of male and female subjects with comparable anthropometric properties showed distinctly different biodynamic responses of the two genders. The primary resonance frequency of male subjects was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the female subjects of comparable body mass but the peak magnitude was comparable for both the gender groups. The male subjects showed greater softening with increasing excitation magnitude compared to the female subjects, irrespective of the sitting condition. The male subjects showed significantly higher peak magnitude response than those of the female subjects for the same anthropometric properties, except for the total and lean body mass. The peak magnitude was linearly correlated with the body mass, body mass index, body fat and hip circumference (r² > 0.7), irrespective of the back support and excitation conditions for both the genders.Relevance to the industryThe apparent mass responses of the human body exposed to whole-body vibration form an essential basis for an understanding of mechanical-equivalent properties of the body, developments in frequency-weightings for assessment of exposure risks and anthropodynamic manikins for assessment of seats. The effects of gender and anthropometric parameters on the AM response are vital for seeking better seat designs, and anthropodynamic manikins for assessments of seating for male as well as female workers.     

Effect of internal mass in the simulation of a moving body by the immersed boundary method

We investigate the effect of internal mass in the simulation of a moving body by the immersed boundary method. In general, the force and the torque acting on the body are influenced by the internal mass, if they are obtained by the negative of the sum of body forces which are applied near the boundary in order to enforce the no-slip condition on the boundary. In this study, the following schemes for approximating the internal mass effect are introduced; no internal mass effect, rigid body approximation, and Lagrangian points approximation. By comparing these schemes through the simulations of a moving body, we examine the internal mass effect. The simulations of the flow around an oscillating circular cylinder and of the sedimentations of an elliptical cylinder and a sphere are performed by using an immersed boundary–lattice Boltzmann method, and it is found that the internal mass effect is significant to unsteady body motions for the Reynolds numbers over 10 and grows as the Reynolds number increases. We also find that for the angular motions of the body, the rigid body approximation causes errors for the rotational Reynolds numbers over 10.     

Transmission of vibration through gloves: effects of material thickness

It might be assumed that increasing the thickness of a glove would reduce the vibration transmitted to the hand. Three material samples from an anti-vibration glove were stacked to produce three thicknesses: 6.4, 12.8 and 19.2 mm. The dynamic stiffnesses of all three thicknesses, the apparent mass at the palm and the finger and the transmission of vibration to the palm and finger were measured. At frequencies from 20 to 350 Hz, the material reduced vibration at the palm but increased vibration at the finger. Increased thickness reduced vibration at the palm but increased vibration at the finger. The measured transmissibilities could be predicted from the material dynamic stiffness and the apparent mass of the palm and finger. Reducing the dynamic stiffness of glove material may increase or decrease the transmission of vibration, depending on the material, the frequency of vibration and the location of measurement (palm or finger).

Practitioner Summary: Transmission of vibration through gloves depends on the dynamic response of the hand and the dynamic stiffness of glove material, which depends on material thickness. Measuring the transmission of vibration through gloves to the palm of the hand gives a misleading indication of the transmission of vibration to the fingers.     

Transmission of vibration through glove materials: effects of contact force

This study investigated effects of applied force on the apparent mass of the hand, the dynamic stiffness of glove materials and the transmission of vibration through gloves to the hand. For 10 subjects, 3 glove materials and 3 contact forces, apparent masses and glove transmissibilities were measured at the palm and at a finger at frequencies in the range 5–300 Hz. The dynamic stiffnesses of the materials were also measured. With increasing force, the dynamic stiffnesses of the materials increased, the apparent mass at the palm increased at frequencies greater than the resonance and the apparent mass at the finger increased at low frequencies. The effects of force on transmissibilities therefore differed between materials and depended on vibration frequency, but changes in apparent mass and dynamic stiffness had predictable effects on material transmissibility. Depending on the glove material, the transmission of vibration through a glove can be increased or decreased when increasing the applied force.

Practitioner summary: Increasing the contact force (i.e. push force or grip force) can increase or decrease the transmission of vibration through a glove. The vibration transmissibilities of gloves should be assessed with a range of contact forces to understand their likely influence on the exposure of the hand and fingers to vibration.     

Simulation of surface EMG for the analysis of muscle activity during whole body vibratory stimulation

This study aims to reproduce the effect of motor-unit synchronization on surface EMG recordings during vibratory stimulation to highlight vibration evoked muscle activity. The authors intended to evaluate, through numerical simulations, the changes in surface EMG spectrum in muscles undergoing whole body vibration stimulation. In some specific bands, in fact, vibration induced motion artifacts are also typically present.     

周期性冲击载荷作用下井字梁楼盖竖向振动的控制

针对周期性冲击载荷作用下井字梁楼盖异常振动问题,对某工业厂房井字梁楼盖进行现场动力特性测试,采用Abaqus软件建立局部楼盖有限元模型,研究周期性冲击载荷作用下井字梁楼盖的动力特性,并提出设置调谐质量阻尼器(tuned mass damper,TMD)、增设隔振支座等2种减振方案.结果 表明:4种不同TMD布置方式的减振效果不同,在设备4个支座处布置TMD的减振效果最佳;增设隔振支座后,采用有限元法得到各测点减振率为83.91％ ～88.80％.2种方案均能有效降低楼盖的竖向振动,可为结构振动控制提供参考.     

基于传感器的细长体横向低频振动载荷辨识

细长体在出水过程中,会遭遇风、浪、流等复杂的海洋环境载荷而引起横向振动.其中,低频振动具有振动能量大、结构相应位移及变形大的特点,加之细长体本身的结构特征,因此,识别横向低频振动载荷最大截面即危险截面进行强度校核是十分必要的.基于传感器在细长体出水过程中所测的横向加速度等信息,在模态叠加法的基础上,开发了一种横向低频振动载荷辨识方法.选取了一个具有解析解的理论模型,通过计算对比发现,本方法的计算结果和解析解吻合良好,从而验证了该方法的有效性.     

Effects of age and body mass index on breast characteristics: a cluster analysis

Limited research has quantified variation in the characteristics of the breasts among women and determined how these breast characteristics are influenced by age and body mass. The aim of this study was to classify the breasts of women in the community into different categories based on comprehensive and objective measurements of the characteristics of their breasts and torsos, and to determine the effect of age and body mass index on the prevalence of these breast categories. Four breast characteristic clusters were identified (X-Large, Very-ptotic & Splayed; Large, Ptotic & Splayed; Medium & Mildly-ptotic; and Small & Non-ptotic), with age and BMI shown to significantly affect the breast characteristic clusters. These results highlight the difference in breast characteristics exhibited among women and how these clusters are affected by age and BMI. The breast characteristic clusters identified in this study could be used as a basis for future bra designs and sizing systems in order to improve bra fit for women.

Practitioner summary: This original research provides evidence for bra designers and manufacturers on the diverse breast characteristics exhibited by women within the population and the significant effect that both body mass index and age have on the breast characteristic clusters. Future bra designs should consider the variation in breast characteristics among women.

Abbreviations: BMI: Body Mass Index; UBCC: Under-bust chest circumference     

Three-dimensional motion capture protocol for seated operator in whole body vibration

A new methodology to measure the response of seated people to whole body vibration (WBV) is presented in this work. The proposed methodology is based on using motion capture systems with reflective markers to detect the position versus time motion of selective landmarks on the human body during vibration while taking into consideration the seatback. The methodology also circumvented the problem of tracking the motion of the physical markers on the lower thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine, which cannot be seen by the cameras due to the existence of the seatback, by introducing virtual (calculated) markers that substitute for the physical markers. Additional (redundant) markers were attached to the segments of interest to generate local coordinate systems that can be used to obtain the trajectories of the virtual markers. Simulated ride files containing both complex vibration and mild impact signals were played back through a man-rated 6 d.f. motion platform. The methodology was tested on three seated subjects; there was considerable agreement between the trajectories of the physical and virtual markers. Error assessments also showed insignificant discrepancy between the physical and virtual markers. The proposed methodology showed encouraging results in WBV testing and may be useful for other applications where people perform tasks in a seated position.

Relevance to industry

People who operate heavy construction machinery can be at increased risk for low back pain and other musculoskeletal problems. WBV in combination with postural constraints is one potential underlying cause for these complaints. However, WBV is difficult to study without altering the typical operator environment as the seatback and armrests often limit the ability to monitor human motion, particularly the lumbar spine. The development of an efficient and effective technique for measuring three-dimensional (3D) displacement data of the lower back region of seated operators in realistic environments exposed to WBV, could advance the development and validation process of computer human modeling in this field. Preventing these problems can save people significant suffering and industry significant cost due to compensation, medical care, lost productivity, and retraining.