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Haidar, Raf (1995) A computational evaluation of the passenger crash position in civil aircraft. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

The crash of the Boeing 737-400 G-OBME at Kegworth on the 8th January 1989 provided an opportunity to investigate how the passengers were injured during the crash. A computer simulation was subsequently set up to assess the kinematics of the passengers and to establish the likely forces which they would have experienced during the crash.

Two computer models were created using the crash victim simulation program, MADYMO. The models were used to study the brace and upright positions and to establish any correlation with body injuries and forces predicted by the models. A parametric study was, subsequently, undertaken with the objective of improving seat design.

Further studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of body posture and impact pulses upon 5th percentile female, 50th percentile male and 95th percentile male occupants. The objective of the research was to establish the severity of injuries for various occupant statures when seated in accordance with the dynamic seat requirements of Aerospace Standard 8049. The research was used to establish the loads sustained on the head, thorax, lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limbs.

A three dimensional computer model was created with the objective of studying the effect of lateral acceleration components as specified in Aerospace Standard 8049. Furthermore, the model was used to establish the injuries which might be sustained in other types of aircraft accidents. Using the data of the same aircraft, this was further utilised to investigate different seat orientations and restraint systems.

Finally, a spine model was created which examined the detailed loading of the spine using the 16G dynamic test pulse. This showed that the spine of a lap belted occupant is heavily loaded during the impact. Thus, the computer modelling of the brace for impact position led to the recommendation for a new improved brace position which could reduce the likelihood of lower limb flail. In addition, it has been found not to increase spinal loading.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Wallace, W. Angus Fox, Colin J.H.
Keywords:	Aircraft accidents, Crash injuries, Research
Subjects:	T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Engineering
Item ID:	43371
Depositing User:	Airey, Ms Valerie
Date Deposited:	05 Jun 2017 07:18
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2017 00:17
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/43371

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