Methods of evaluating ES-2 leg flail in dynamic evaluation and certification tests of side-facing aircraft seats

Abstract

The recent implementation of new federal regulations on injury criteria for occupants in side-facing seats greatly decreases the risk for these passengers. One of these new requirements limits the amount of leg flail allowed to the occupant. While the limit of rotation is defined at 35 degrees, the method of measurement of this angle is left open to the end user. Photometric analysis and angular rate sensor data are analysed and evaluated, first, on a pendulum fixture to determine any difference between the two and then, second, on an ES-2re anthropomorphic test device (ATD) in a side-facing seat. The leg flail or leg rotation is measured in three different configurations: an unrestrained leg, a rigid block to restrain the leg, and with an airbag deployed to restrain the leg. Various targets are tracked from the high-speed video, and the photometric results for each are compared to the angular rate sensor data during the impact test.