Limiting performance analysis of impact isolation systems for injury prevention

Abstract

A review of recent research on the limiting performance analysis of impact isolation systems for injury prevention is presented. A limiting performance analysis establishes the absolute optimum for a performance index measuring the quality of an isolation system by solving an optimal control problem. Problems related to the optimal design of a crashworthy helicopter seat, automobile seat belts, and sporting helmets are discussed. Best and worst disturbance techniques are also reviewed. These techniques are employed to investigate the responses of injury prevention components to the shape of the impact pulse.