Nonlinear Model Validation for Automotive Seat Cushion-Human Body Combined Structure 2004-01-0372

In this paper, a nonlinear dynamic model for automotive cushion-human body combined structure is developed based on a nonlinear seat cushion model and a linear ISO human body model. Automotive seat cushions have shown to exhibit nonlinear characteristics. The nonlinear seat cushion model includes nonlinear stiffness and nonlinear damping terms. This model is verified by a series of tests conducted on sports car and luxury car seats. The transfer functions from the tests for human body sitting on an automotive seat changes with the vibration platform input magnitudes. This indicates that the combined structure possesses nonlinear characteristics. The nonlinear model is validated by the transfer functions from the test. The paper discusses the influence of the parameters of the nonlinear structure on the design of seat and assessment of human body comfort.