INFLUENCE OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CELLULAR PLASTIC CUSHION MATERIALS ON RIDE COMFORT

Considerable attention is being given to the comfort provided in transport vehicles by seat systems based in full depth polyurethane cushions. Although the performance of a cushion or seat system has not been precisely defined it is generally described in terms of ride comfort. This is influenced by factors such as the static and dynamic properties of the seat cushion, ergonomic considerations, and the psychophysical stresses imposed by the environment. This paper considers how some of the parameters used to quantify cushion comfort properties are related to the structure and composition of the cushion foam. (TRRL)