Engineering Sciences Section
The Engineering Sciences Section is made up of the Biodynamics Research Team and the Cabin Safety Research Team. Engineering Sciences Section personnel provide state-of-the-art information, procedures, and equipment evaluations relative to aircraft crash survival, and safety of passengers and crewmembers during normal operations and emergency aircraft evacuation events. For example, the Cabin Safety, and Biodynamics Research Teams are key contributors to the development of national and international aviation safety equipment standards and survival procedures.
AAM-632 Cabin Safety Research Team
The Cabin Safety Research Team conducts research pertaining to occupant safety, including in-flight hazards, emergency procedures, emergency aircraft evacuation and post-crash survival. Investigates research topics including seating density, exit size and location, passenger flow rates through exits, and flight attendant procedures, using wide- and narrow-body aircraft cabin research facilities and human volunteer research subjects. Evaluates new designs for personal flotation devices, life vests, slide/rafts, and other emergency and rescue equipment. Investigates and evaluates passenger safety education issues and solutions. Investigates and evaluates in-flight hazards to passengers and crew. Organizes, provides instruction, conducts, and/or facilitates workshops and training related to the Team’s research area. Supports collaborative utilization of research assets and facilities by other federal, state, and local government agencies.
Related Information
- Cabin Safety Research Workshops
- Evacuation Research
- Fire Research
- Passenger Information Research
- Water Survival Research
AAM-632 Biodynamics Research Team
The Biodynamics Research Team conducts research focused on improving occupant protection during civil aviation accidents. Evaluates aircraft seats, interior components and restraint systems using a dynamic impact sled, component test systems, and advanced computer modeling to determine the capabilities of hardware tested as well as possible means of improving the level of occupant protection. Develops new methods, techniques, and equipment for evaluating injury potential and methods to reduce injury and enhance survival. Supports National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), FAA Academy, and Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) training courses by providing classroom lectures and demonstrations at the NTSB Academy, FAA Academy, TSI facilities and CAMI. Supports FAA accident investigations by providing consultations, on scene support, test and evaluation of seats and restraint systems. This activity includes assisting FAA accident investigations in responding to NTSB Safety Recommendations by providing research data. Organizes, provides instruction for, conducting and /or facilitating workshops and training related to the Team’s research area.