Abstract
M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering)
The development of crashworthy seats for helicopters
during the past three decades is discussed. The primary
design criteria is mentioned and the disadvantages of
crashworthy seats that are currently in use are
highlighted.
An hydraulic energy absorber which automatically
compensates for the mass of the seat occupant was designed
and a simulation model was developed. The concept for the
control valve used was obtained from WARRICK [25].
Results of the simulations correlated well with those of
WARRICK.
A prototype of a mechanical/hydraulic accelerometer was
designed, manufactured and tested. The results obtained
from the experiments compared favourably with simulation
values.
The simulated and experimental results indicate that the
concept of using an hydraulic energy absorber, in a crashworthy
seat, is very satisfactory.
Future crashworthy seat designs could be enhanced by
incorporating this promising device.