Numerical and experimental characterisation of the dynamic behaviour of a passenger aircraft seat during a takeoff condition

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamic response of an aircraft seat structure. The study involved the use of a finite element software to predict aircraft seat vibrations during takeoff-like flight conditions. The described model is validated by performing experimental dynamic response measurements of an aircraft seat subjected to actual take off excitation recordings obtained onboard an aircraft. The accuracy of the model is investigated by comparing the simulated properties with experimental modal analysis and seat plate dynamics data. Moreover, the severity of the transmitted vibrations to the seat surface is assessed using the seat effective amplitude transmissibility (SEAT) method. Results show that the numerical model is able to replicate the dynamic and modal properties of the aircraft seat. The numerical and experimental SEAT values computed through different methods were also found to be in good agreement. This developed model can be used to predict and improve the dynamic comfort of aircraft seats.