Dynamic characteristics of a compliant seat coupled with the human body and a manikin during the exposure to the whole-body vibration: Effect of the polyurethane foam, the track position, and the measurement location

Purpose Transmissibility is used to assess dynamic responses of the occupant-seat system, and most studies have exclusively assessed the transmissibility from the floor to the cushion or the backrest surface with the human body. Methods In this investigation, the vertical vibration transmitted from the floor to six specific locations both on the seat surface and the frame when the seat was fixed on three positions on the track was examined utilizing an SAE J826 manikin and 12 male adults (0.25 to 20 Hz) for a duration of 120 seconds at three vibration amplitudes. Results The transmissibility from the floor to the headrest frame, the cushion surface, the headrest surface, the seat back frame, and the seat back surface all exhibited a principal peak frequency within 4-5 Hz. With the exception of the cushion frame, the principal peak frequency and the peak transmissibility in transmissibilities to all positions decreased with increasing vibration amplitude, indicating the non-linearity within the occupant-seat system. It was also found modifying seat track positions minimally affected the seat transmissibility to either the surface or the frame of the seat. Conclusions Polyurethane foam amplified vibration at peak frequency, simultaneously enhancing static sitting comfort and reducing the vertical vibration transmission above peak frequency.