Aircraft Seat Cushion Dynamic Behavior at Extreme Ranges of Temperatures

Aircraft seat cushions are exposed to varying temperature ranges during their lifetime. This paper addresses the experimental results conducted by quasi-static tests on a visco-elastic cushion, developed by industries, at extreme ranges of temperatures and to determine the variations in their dynamic characteristics. All tests are conducted at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University (WSU). The seat cushions are tested at different temperatures to determine their characteristics and to predict their dynamic behavior. The prediction is based on the similarity of the load versus deflection curves from the quasi-static tests. Substitute cushions having similar dynamic characteristics at room temperature, as the visco-elastic cushion at extreme temperature ranges, are identified. From the various tests conducted with the seat cushion at a range of temperatures, it has been observed that at elevated temperature, there is very little effect on the dynamic behavior of the visco-elastic cushion. While at lower temperature, the cushion becomes more brittle and consequently affects the dynamic response of the cushion.

Keywords:

Aircraft crashworthiness , Seat cushion , Sled testing.