Transportation Expertise

Occupant Posture and Position Modeling

UMTRI researchers routinely develop customized data-processing and analysis programs using software such as Mathematica, Visual Basic, SQL, and Labview. For example, researchers recently developed a computer program to provide biomechanical researchers and modelers a graphical interface to MS Access for selecting and viewing quantitative data on radiographic-based cervical-spine geometry in the automotive posture based on stature, age, and gender. Researchers routinely use Mathematica to develop customized programs to analyze anthropometry and posture data, and to develop models for posture prediction, seatbelt fit, and other aspects of driver accommodation. Results from these models are used in conjunction with Jack and RAMSIS human models to provide industry human factors and safety engineers with updated design tools for vehicle interior and restraint design to improve driver protection and accommodation.

Selected projects in this area:

Multivariate Anthropometry for Auto Seat Design
Sponsor: Schukra North America, Inc.
Investigator: Matthew Reed
02/23/2005 - 03/31/2006

Development of New Driver Accommodation Models for Trucks and Buses
Sponsor: International Truck and Engine Corporation (NAVISTAR)
Investigator: Matthew Reed
03/08/2005 - 04/30/2006

Ingress/Egress
Sponsor:
Investigator: Matthew Reed
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Crash Dummy Positioning Procedures
Sponsor:
Investigator: Matthew Reed
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Evaluation of Cervical Spine Geometry in the Automotive Seated Posture
Sponsor: Ford Motor Company
Investigator: Kathleen DeSantis Klinich
04/01/2000 - 12/31/2003

Driver and Passenger Headroom
Sponsor:
Investigator: Matthew Reed
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Field of View in Mirrors
Sponsor:
Investigator: Matthew Reed
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Driver Eye Location
Sponsor:
Investigator: Matthew Reed
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Seating Accommodation Models
Sponsor:
Investigator: Carol Flannagan
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000

Design and Development of Automotive Seat and Package Evaluation and Comparison Tools (ASPECT)
Sponsor:
Investigator: Lawrence Schneider
00/00/0000 - 00/00/0000