Effects of low frequency vibration on train motion sickness

Abstract

In order to identify the vibrational characteristics influencing motion sickness experienced on trains, a poll of approximately 4,000 commercial passengers was carried out and vibration measurements taken on each train involved. When the results were summarized, it was revealed that the ratio of passengers who felt motion sickness on tilting trains was higher than that on non-tilting trains. Low frequency lateral motions in the range 0.25 to 0.32 Hz highly influenced the degree of motion sickness. Unlike seasickness, vertical motion effects were not apparent and there was a wide variation in susceptibility to motion sickness, with data from women and young people showing them to be more susceptible. Traditional frequency weighting curves for evaluating vibrational discomfort were ineffective for motion sickness evaluation. Consequently, a new frequency weighting curve needed to be proposed.