Title: Evaluation of bio-dynamic responses of human body subjected to impacts due to speed humps

Authors: M.C. Kiran; S.N. Omkar; B. Vadiraj

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalpataru Institute of Technology, Tiptur, 572202, KA, India ' Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, KA, India ' Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, KA, India

Abstract: Bio-dynamics of seated human subjects exposed to whole body vibration has been a topic of interest over the years. Most of the motorcycle riders are exposed to health risks, due to repeated exposure of mechanical shock when frequently riding over traffic speed humps. The present study describes a novel method to assess the acceleration transmissibility through the body and the apparent mass of the subject while riding a motorised two-wheeler over a speed hump. Sensitivity of human subjects to whole body vibration under low-frequency excitation in seated posture is also addressed by driving point mechanical impedance. Experiment methodology involves use of body mounted accelerometer as motion sensors to track these shocks for four healthy subjects. A four-degree of freedom lumped parameter model is simulated to quantify the instantaneous effects of mechanical shocks. This understanding is likely to aid the driving community, in general, and the motorcycle manufactures to incorporate better suspension and appropriate ergonomics considerations.

Keywords: lumped parameter models; seated human models; biodynamic responses; mechanical shock; traffic speed humps; modelling; human body impact; whole body vibration; motorcycle riders; motorcyclists; motorbikes; acceleration transmissibility; driving point mechanical impedance; motion sensors; vehicle suspension; ergonomics; traffic speed bumps.

DOI: 10.1504/IJECB.2014.066082

International Journal of Experimental and Computational Biomechanics, 2014 Vol.2 No.4, pp.310 - 323

Received: 03 Aug 2013
Accepted: 27 Mar 2014
Published online: 17 Dec 2014 *

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