Title: Prediction and analysis of semi low floor bus driver seat vibrations by using the response surface methodology

Authors: M. Jaganmohan Rao; S.P. Sivapirakasam; K. Harisivasri Phanindra; B.R. Vishnu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli – 620015, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli – 620015, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli – 620015, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli – 620015, India

Abstract: In India semi low floor (SLF) buses are used for shuttle within the cities. The main objective of the paper is to develop a quadratic model for prediction of driver seat vibration and analysis of relationship between the seating parameters and driver seat vibrations. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop the regression model in SLF bus driver comfort. In the development of the predictive model, seating parameters backrest inclination, horizontal distance from the ABC pedal, foam thickness and speed were considered as model variables, seat vibration was considered as a response variable. The statistical analysis showed speed was found to be the most significant process parameter to influence seat vibration. Other parameters were found to be insignificant but the interactions among them were found to be significant. Apart from objective analysis, the subjective assessment parameters comfort, visibility and confidence also studied for all the trials.

Keywords: semi low floor bus; DoE; design of experiment; process parameters; a weighted acceleration; RSM; response surface methodology; regression model.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2021.117501

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2021 Vol.28 No.3, pp.409 - 422

Received: 12 Dec 2018
Accepted: 07 Jun 2019
Published online: 10 Sep 2021 *

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