Modeling and Analysis of an Active Magnetorheological Seat and Landing Gear System to Protect an Occupant in a Helicopter Crash

Abstract

Occupant injuries in helicopter crashes occur primarily due to vertical loads. Mitigating those loads to the occupant is the best way to limit injuries sustained in an impact. Using magnetorheological dampers in the seat and landing gear can help to maximize the energy absorbed by the helicopter and minimize the loads to the occupant in a crash. There are a number of key interactions between the occupant models and the landing gear that have been examined in this research. These interactions are investigated and the control algorithms have been designed to reduce the loads transmitted to the occupant throughout the impact.