Simulation study on gender differences in occupant dynamic response during spacecraft landing impact

ABSTRACT In order to demonstrate the influence of gender differences on occupant dynamic response during spacecraft high-level landing impact, this study established a seat-dummy system model using Pro-E and HyperWorks software. The 50th Hybrid III male dummy and the 5th Hybrid III female dummy were used in the model. The seat-dummy system model was calibrated and validated according to the actual impact condition and impact test data of the simulated spacecraft landing. The gender differences on the impact response of key body segments were demonstrated and analysed under high-level landing impact (at a peak value of 26g). The simulation results show that the peak acceleration value of the female is larger than the male by 43.7% on the shoulder and by about 33% on the chest and pelvis, while the female is smaller than the male by 40.0% on the head in the chest-back (anterior–posterior, Gx) direction. In the head-foot (superior–inferior, Gz) direction, the peak acceleration value of the female is larger than the male by about 45.2% on the head, 120% on the shoulder, 9.0% on the chest and 37.3% on the pelvis. Therefore, it is recommended that spacecraft designers should pay more attention to gender differences on the head-neck and pelvis, and provide better protection for females during landing impact.

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