Ride evaluation in aerospace and surface vehicles

The vibration environment in a wide range of aerospace and surface vehicles is examined, and definitions related to ride evaluation are reviewed. Three provinces of research and application of ride data are recognized: (1) ride affecting passenger and operator comfort; (2) ride affecting human efficiency; and (3) ride affecting the health and safety of occupants occupationally or repeatedly exposed. Specific reference is made to the proposed ISO guide on human exposure to whole-body vibration. The applications as well as the advantages and limitations of this guide for evaluating vehicle ride are discussed. The derivation of the limits is reviewed with regard to the supporting data and the compromises necessary for wide applicability. Special discussions are included of the frequency and time dependence of these limits and approaches in progress for adjusting them according to different criteria of application.