RIDE QUALITY CRITERIA OF MULTIFACTOR ENVIRONMENTS

A comprehensive ride quality model that accounts for the effects of multifrequency and multiaxis vibration inputs as well as the interactive effects of noise and vibration upon passenger discomfort is under development. The model development has been based upon extensive experimental studies utilizing a realistic multi-degree-of-freedom laboratory simulator located at the Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. This paper briefly describes the basic elements of the ride quality model; presents summary data relating to human discomfort response to vertical, lateral, and roll vibrations; and concludes with a description of the results of an initial study of human response to combined noise and vibration stimuli. Results of studies involving vibration stimuli alone are presented in terms of sets of equal discomfort curves for each of the previously mentioned axes of vibration. In addition, a set of noise-vibration criteria curves are included based upon the concept of additivity of the discomfort components due to noise and to vibration. This assumption is shown to be valid for the restricted range of stimuli used in this study. /Author/