This paper describes how a finite element model of the human buttocks has been developed for the prediction of seat pressure distributions at the contact interface between human and seat. The model has been based on a seating average male. The model comprises a detailed and realistic representation of the bony structures. The parameter study showed that the model can be a useful design tool that is capable of predicting pressure distributions at the contact interface between human and seat. The influence of variations in human flesh and seat cushion stiffness and body posture can be investigated with the model. The pressure distribution, the values of maximum and average pressure and the contact area turned out to be highly dependent on human flesh and seat cushion properties. The main advantage of the computer model over the current experimental way of investigating the human-seat contact interaction, is that the computer model allows an investigation of factors that determine the human-seat contact interaction, but not can be measured, e.g., current experimental techniques only allow a study of normal stresses, while the present FE buttocks model allows investigation of shear stresses at the contact interface.
Abstract