An Energy-Absorbing Restraint System

1971 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Mclay ◽  
F. J. Blackstone ◽  
P. K. Das
1974 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Hundal ◽  
R. W. McLay ◽  
L. Folsom

The application of a miniaturized energy absorbing mechanism to a light airplane occupant restraint system is presented. The mechanism absorbs energy through the continuous plastic deformation of a steel wire, closely approximating a constant force energy absorber. The design philosophy and the installation details for the aircraft are presented. A mathematical model is used for determining the occupant response during aircraft crash. The model considers plane motion of the aircraft and the human body, the latter being approximated by five rigid body segments. Occupant displacements and curves for accelerations and restraint forces are presented for a typical survivable light aircraft crash. The experimental results and the mathematical model response suggest that incorporation of the energy absorbing mechanism would produce a significant decrease in occupant injuries and fatalities. A parametric study of the occupant/restraint system is presented. Recommendations are made on steps towards improved crash protection and survival in general aviation.


Author(s):  
Stephen A. Batzer ◽  
David Beltran ◽  
G. Grant Herndon ◽  
Chandrashekhar K. Thorbole ◽  
Mariusz Ziejewski

Destructive testing of the complete motor coach/bus restraint system to include seatbelts, side glazing, and greenhouse structure was performed with the objective being to determine the overall rollover crashworthiness in this accident mode. During motor coach/bus rollovers, the roof and pillar structures may deform due to friction and body forces initiated by ground and roadway contact. Body deformation, as well as interaction of the glass with rocks and other debris on the ground and roadway, may lead to catastrophic glazing failure, opening a portal for occupant partial or complete ejection. Despite the relatively high occupant capacity of motor coaches/buses, many commercial designs provide seatbelt restraints only for the purpose of securing wheelchairs and the driver, providing no seatbelt restraints for occupants in passenger positions. Rollover testing was performed on a modified commuter motor coach/bus to determine the effectiveness of the seatbelts as primary restraints, and also on several energy absorbing window designs to determine their efficacy as secondary restraints. The results showed that properly fixated laminated glass and other designs were capable of fully retaining both belted and unbelted occupants during the staged collision. This testing showed that structural roof members and occupant retention glazing systems are feasible solutions for the purpose of occupant retention. The physical testing was complemented by simulations of this accident showing that the loading received by the occupants is not injurious.


1998 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-463
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki KAWADA ◽  
Takeshi HONDA ◽  
Maiko TAKASHIMA ◽  
Hajime SATOH
Keyword(s):  

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