Manikin Test and Calibration System

The objective of this project is to develop a test fixture to facilitate dynamic testing and system-level calibrations of an anthropomorphic manikin vertebral column and head complex. The calibration fixture is necessary to evaluate and improve the predictive consistency of the systems-level biofidelic performance of a test manikin under conditions of loadings that are encountered in ejection and crash environments. Additionally, the fixture will provide the versatility to conduct short duration dynamic tests of aircrew interaction with various seating and restraint systems designed for ejection or crash conditions. Alternative fixture arrangements with computer interface for input of test parameters and a pneumatic and hydraulic system to provide drive and control of the acceleration test will be provided and an optimal design will be determined in accordance with system requirements. The fixture will provide controlled, accurate and repeatable excitations to produce consistent and reliable calibrations. The dynamic system provides significantly improved calibration over the current static techniques. This dynamic calibration capability is essential to obtain manikin test results that are repeatable and allow the comparison of one set of test results with another. This is particularly important for the reliable evaluation of life support equipment.