Modelling of a train seat with subject exposed to lateral, vertical and roll vibration

Abstract

Considering the characteristics of ride vibration of a train, a multi-body dynamic model of a double-unit passenger seat exposed to lateral, vertical and roll vibrations was developed and calibrated using measured seat transmissibilities from the acceleration at the floor to the accelerations at both the seat pan and backrest in lateral, vertical and roll directions. With use of an existing seated human model, two coupled models of the double-unit seat with one and two subjects were then developed and calibrated using the corresponding measured seat transmissibilities. The models showed good agreement with the experimental data. Using these models, modal analysis was conducted to find out the modal properties of the human-seat system and facilitate discussions in relation to the resonances in the seat transmissibilities. It was found the primary peak in the vertical transmissibility of the seat pan may arise from the mode of human body. Two vibration modes around 15 and 30 Hz of the seat contributed to the peaks with approximate frequencies in the seat transmissibilities.