Abstract
A derivation is given for a one-dimensional continuum model of the spine considered as a curved homogeneous beam-column and subject to a distributed eccentric inertial loading of the human torso. A reduction to a small strain, large deflection model is made. The model predicts the configuration history, the axial force, shear force, bending moment and effective stress distributions along the spine given the inertial and material properties as well as the time dependent loading conditions. The results given emphasize the pilot ejection problem although any acceleration pulse applied in the midsagittal plane is acceptable.