Office of Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports
FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-72/6
Title and Subtitle: Effectiveness of restraint equipment in enclosed areas
Report Date: February 1972
Authors: Lowery DL, Langston ED, Reed W, Swearingen JJ
Abstract: A series of 20-g decelerations of a crash sled was conducted to determine the magnitude of head impact decelerations while wearing various types of restraint equipment in small confined areas. Restraint webbing loads and head impact decelerations are presented for three directions of impact (straight forward, and 90 deg to left and right). Restraint webbing undoubtedly reduces head impact velocities, especially in the forward direction.
However, the study shows that in most instances, head strikes may be expected even while using upper and lower torso restraint because of the close proximity of surrounding structure in general aviation aircraft. Introduction of upper torso restraint along with lap belts in general aviation aircraft will not relieve the need for delethalizing surrounding structures.
Key Words: Crash Injury, Aircraft Design, Aviation Safety, Body Flailing During Deceleration, Shoulder Harness Design, Injury Potential, Safety belts
No. of Pages: 28
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-72/6
Title and Subtitle: Effectiveness of restraint equipment in enclosed areas
Report Date: February 1972
Authors: Lowery DL, Langston ED, Reed W, Swearingen JJ
Abstract: A series of 20-g decelerations of a crash sled was conducted to determine the magnitude of head impact decelerations while wearing various types of restraint equipment in small confined areas. Restraint webbing loads and head impact decelerations are presented for three directions of impact (straight forward, and 90 deg to left and right). Restraint webbing undoubtedly reduces head impact velocities, especially in the forward direction.
However, the study shows that in most instances, head strikes may be expected even while using upper and lower torso restraint because of the close proximity of surrounding structure in general aviation aircraft. Introduction of upper torso restraint along with lap belts in general aviation aircraft will not relieve the need for delethalizing surrounding structures.
Key Words: Crash Injury, Aircraft Design, Aviation Safety, Body Flailing During Deceleration, Shoulder Harness Design, Injury Potential, Safety belts
No. of Pages: 28
Last updated: Friday, June 1, 2012