NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN SPINE DURING WHOLE BODY VIBRATION

Abstract

Vibrations are oscillatory movements of the mechanical system, in which displaments of points are small compared to the dimensions of the system. Exposure to whole body vibrations reduces the comfort of passengers in the vehicles, causing stress, fatigue and discomfort. Vibrations can affect the lumbar spine, the gastrointestinal system, the peripheral veins and the vestibular system. In this study, one male subject was exposed to WBV while driving on the highway at a speed of 80 km/h. The movements recorded on the vehicle seat were transferred to a 3D spine model. Numerical results of Von Misses stress and deformation were presented.