Modeling energy absorption in commercial airline seating with MADYMO dynamic simulation

Dynamic testing of aircraft seats has been incorporated to enhance the survivability of aircraft mishaps for over 10 years. This standard may be introduced into aircraft with certification basis prior to this introduction if seat loads can be limited to the structural capabilities of the seat track. Since the earlier seat tracks typically had lower load requirements they may not be capable of bearing a dynamic seat test with current seat designs. An attempt to establish the performance objects of energy absorbing features will be investigated. Modeling dynamic events with MADYMO software has been proven to be efficient and accurate in many aerospace and automotive applications. Using this tool, a model was developed to investigate how limiting loads at the seat track affect occupant performance. Both finite element and multibody techniques were used to create a detailed model of a typical commercial airplane seat with three occupants. Both a baseline model without energy absorption and a modified model with energy absorption were developed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of energy absorbing devices between the seat and the seat track.