Effects of Hand-Arm and Whole-Body Vibrations on Heart of Motorcycle Rider

Abstract

Motorcycle riders are subjected to hand arm and whole body vibrations. Both these vibrations affect the health of the rider. This paper attempts to analyze the effects of these vibrations on heart using finite element simulation and experiments. Firstly, the hand arm and whole body vibration forces are measured by conducting experiments on different motorcycles and for various road conditions. These measured forces are applied to the finite element model of a motorcycle rider to predict the distribution of Von mises stress around heart. Secondly, the average relative heart rate, the hand arm and whole body vibration accelerations are measured with by conducting experiments on different riders with typical body mass index and for various road conditions. The variations in the vibrations magnitude and the Von mises stress around heart correlate well. The Von mises stress and heart rate are more sensitive to the hand arm vibrations than the whole body vibrations. This effect on the heart may cause a cardiac problem in the long run.