G-Force
Two Major Loading Conditions
Two Major Loading Conditions
G-force is the force acting on your body when you change velocity. It has been determined that humans can survive a 16g crash. The federal regulations require an airplane seat to be tested up to 16 g's in a forward direction. As a reference point, a Navy pilot experiences 3 g's when launching from an aircraft carrier.
NASA and FAA Testing
This video shows a test conducted by NASA and the FAA to collect data and thereby understand the likelihood of injury during an aircraft crash. The goal is to improve aircraft crash safety.
Approximately 16g.
All seat designs for use in a commercial airplane must be certified per federal regulations.
There are two primary loading conditions for certification:
(1) a 16g force acting predominantly in the longitudinal, forward direction;
(2) a 14g force applied predominantly in the vertical, downward direction.
Loading Condition 1
The first loading condition is the 16g force acting predominantly in the longitudinal, forward direction.
This video shows a 16g seat test. The test setup includes a complete seat assembly and each seat is occupied by a test dummy that is strapped with a restraint component such as a lap belt. Engineers use the test to verify seat structural strength and occupant protection capability of the restraint installation.
Ensure structural strength and integrity and protection of occupants.
Loading Condition 2
The second loading condition is the 14g force applied predominantly in the vertical, downward direction.
A 14g test is used to assess the likelihood of occupant spinal injuries during a crash. Measured lumbar loads from the test dummies must not exceed 1,500 lbs. This video shows a 14g seat test and test setup. Notice that the seat and test dummies are oriented at a 60-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane. This orientation simulates the maximum occupant lumbar load during an airplane crash landing.
He should be concerned about the effect these components have on occupant lumbar loads during a crash. His design must comply with the requirement that the lumbar loads do not exceed 1,500 lbs in a 14g test.