Computational modelling of the dynamic interaction between the human body and a car seat
The modern car seat consists of nonlinear polyurethane foam cushions and complex supporting structures, and the seated human body is also a highly damped nonlinear dynamic system. The complicated dynamic interaction between the two systems can be described by computational models of the car seat and occupant. and are required for optimising the seat design, for example to promote ride comfort.
This PhD project is designed to research the dynamic interaction between car seats and the seated human body and develop a computational model of the seat-occupant system using nonlinear finite element methods. It is expected that the development of the model can help advance understanding the dynamic interaction between the seat and the body and that the developed model can be used to predict seat transmissibility, and to optimise the seat design so as to improve ride comfort. The main tasks of this research project include:
Entry requirements: This multi-disciplinary studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper-second class degree in a related discipline (e.g., engineering, physics, psychology, physiology), having an interest in psychophysical phenomena, statistics, and appropriate mathematical skills.
Closing date: Wednesday 30th July 2014
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Yi Qiu, Human Factors Research Unit, Email: Y.Qiu@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 9594.
The project is run through participation in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling (http://ngcm.soton.ac.uk).
This project is advertised in the website FindAPhD.com: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=53926