Elisabeth Sussman

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

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Peter Mengert

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

John K. Pollard

British University in Egypt

Robert DiSario

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Charles N. Abernethy

Digital Wave (United States)

Mary D. Stearns

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Jonathan Belcher

Barbara J. Bloemink

Anna M. Wichansky

Oracle (United States)

Ann Needalman

D Ofsevit

Cooperative Institutions

United States Department of Transportation

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Duke University

University of Toronto

University of Vermont

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

University of Chicago

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Harvard University Press

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EFFECTS OF DECELERATION AND RATE OF DECELERATION ON LIVE SEATED HUMAN SUBJECTS

Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board (1977)

Charles N. Abernethy Gordon R. Plank Elisabeth Sussman Herbert H. Jacobs

This paper describes the testing of seated human subjects to determine the maximum deceleration and associated rate of change of deceleration (jerk) at which the majority of potential users of automated-guideway-transportation systems will remain securely in their seats. The subjects underwent various levels of deceleration and associated jerk in an instrument vehicle while seated normally (forward facing); sideways (turned 90 deg counterclockwise from the direction of travel); and normally, but tilted backward (facing forward, but with the entire seat tilted 5 deg backward). The subjects also underwent various levels of jerk (seated normally only). Two groups of subjects were chosen to represent the anthropometric extremes of potential passengers: males larger than 95 percent of the male population and females smaller than all but 5 percent of the female population. Estimates based on these tests of the maximum permissible emergency deceleration are 0.47 g for forward-facing, seated passengers and 0.41 g for side-facing, seated passengers. Tilting the entire seat assembly back 5 deg increased the estimated maximum permissible deceleration to 0.52 g.

Jerk

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Citations (11)

STUDY TO ESTABLISH RIDE COMFORT CRITERIA FOR HIGH SPEED MAGNETICALLY LEVITATED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Elisabeth Sussman John K. Pollard Peter Mengert Robert DiSario

The ride motions of a Maglev system were simulated by performing specific vertical and roll maneuvers in a small executive jet aircraft. After each maneuver the passenger subjects recorded a comfort rating on a 7-point scale from very comfortable to very uncomfortable. The vertical accelerations of the jet were measured with an accelerometer and recorded in a computer data file. The results showed that passenger discomfort increased with bank angle and roll rate in the case of roll maneuvers and with the magnitude of the vertical g forces in the case of vertical maneuvers.

Maglev

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Citations (4)

Identification of potential human factors issues related to APTS introduction of enhanced information systems

Mary D. Stearns Jonathan Belcher Elisabeth Sussman

Identification

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Citations (2)

Railroad Human Factors

Reviews of Human Factors and Ergonomics (2007)

Elisabeth Sussman Thomas G. Raslear

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the human factors concerns of the railroad enterprise as it exists in the United States and Canada and to provide an overview of human factors research related to railroads. The railroad enterprise is complex and, in many ways, distinct from other forms of transportation. Differences found between railroading and other modes are arguably more profound in internal organization and tradition than in equipment and technologies. Because of this, a significant portion of this chapter is given over to a description of context. Understanding this context is critical in understanding the need for and relevance of the human factors research cited. We also cover research concerns and efforts in a number of key areas, including safety legislation versus regulation, safety and productivity, perceived versus measured safety, close call confidential reporting, the social environment of the U.S. railroad industry, operator fatigue and alertness, locomotive ergonomics and cab design, the locomotive engineers' and dispatchers' roles, remotely controlled locomotives, and trespassing and grade-crossing accidents.

Alertness

Human engineering

Relevance

10.1518/155723408x299870

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Citations (13)

Automotive displays and controls : existing technology and future trends

Melodie A Esterberg Elisabeth Sussman R A Walter

This report presents overview information on high-technology displays and controls that are having a substantial effect on the driving environment. Advances in electronics and computers, in addition to cost advantages, increase the technologies' impact. The status of these displays and controls, and the concerns that may be raised in relation to safety and the driving task, are discussed. Several industry brochures and articles are reprinted as appendices, and a detailed reference list for further study is supplied.

Automotive electronics

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A simulation study of the effects of communication delay on air traffic control

Eric Nadler Robert DiSario Peter Mengert Elisabeth Sussman Gerard Spanier

Abstract : This study was conducted to examine the impacts of voice communications delays characteristic of Voice Switching and ControL System (VSCS) and satellite communications systems on air traffic system performance, controLLer stress and workload, and communications disruptions. To accomplish this a simulation was developed and performed at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center. The simulation used scenarios constructed from records of live air traffic at five adjacent Atlanta Air Route Traffic ControL Center (ARTCC) sectors. Nine full performance level air traffic control specialists from the Atlanta ARTCC sectors simulated participated as subjects. Four delay levels were employed corresponding to: current equipment with and without satellite link, and VSCS with and without satellite. Three Levels of communications workload were used based on 70 percent, 90 percent, and 110 percent of reference values for the actual sectors. VSCS delays were not found to have any statistically significant impact on any measure. Satellite delays were found to be associated with a statisticaly significant increase in one kind of communication disruption (step-ons) at the highest level of communications workload used in the study.

Communications satellite

Atlanta

Air traffic controller

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Citations (2)

City of ambition : artists & New York, 1900-1960

Elisabeth Sussman John G. Hanhardt Alfred Stieglitz Paul S. Strand Charles Sheeler

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PROCEEDINGS OF WORKSHOP ON METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSIT CRIME REDUCTION MEASURES IN AUTOMATED GUIDEWAY TRANSIT SYSTEMS, HELD AT CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS ON MAY 25-28, 1976

W. Hawkins Elisabeth Sussman

The workshop focused on current methods of assessing the effectiveness of crime and vandalism reduction methods that are used in conventional urban mass transit systems, and on how they might be applied to new AGT systems. Conventional as well as novel methods of assessment were presented and discussed. Among the major issues discussed were the use of critical incident techniques to assess the community's needs with regard to transit security; the establishment of a board similar to the National Transportation Safety Board, which will focus on security issues; and the role of security specialists and management in transit planning. The imformation herein should be of interest to transit security planners and researchers, law enforcement agencies, planners of AGT systems, and in general those people who are concerned with the problems of crime and vandalism in transit systems.

Transit system

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Passenger Acceptance of Alignments with Frequent Curves in Maglev or Other Very-High-Speed Ground Systems

PsycEXTRA Dataset (1999)

J Harding John K. Pollard Leonora Katz-Rhoads Peter Mengert Robert DiSario

This study explored comfort and motion-sickness effects of Maglev travel in corridors characterized by frequent curves. A procedure was developed for estimating the propensity of a given set of ride motions to induce motion sickness, generating a number called the Motion Sickness Dosage Value (MSDV), from which the proportion of passengers who will experience nausea could be estimated. The only means of simulating trips with realistic accelerations at reasonable cost was through the use of an airplane. An experimental apparatus was constructed that simulated a Maglev system traveling through representative portions of the proposed New York State route at average speeds that ranged from 320 kph to 400 kph (200-250 mph). In two preliminary tests, participants were exposed to two intervals of flying with relatively high bank angle limits consistent with making the 277-km (172-mi) trip in approximately 38 minutes. More than half the participants began feeling queasy at these higher limits. The final experiment specified nine flights with 14 participants. Limits for bank angle were 14 deg, 21 deg, and 28 deg, while those for roll rate were 4 deg/sec, 6 deg/sec, and 8 deg/sec. Results produced no evidence that more than a small percentage of Maglev passengers would experience kinetosis on routes confined to the boundaries of existing highway rights-of-way. While the vertical accelerations experienced by participants were generally greater than those that would be experienced by Maglev passengers, the majority found the plane ride comfortable and felt no motion sickness. However, 23% felt slightly queasy at some time, 8% felt intermittently nauseous, and two passengers vomited. Cumulative dosage and duration of exposure showed significant correlation with motion-sickness ratings.

Maglev

10.1037/e664872007-001

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Automatic Detection of Intoxicated Drivers

SAE technical papers on CD-ROM/SAE technical paper series (1972)

Elisabeth Sussman Philip W. Davis Andrew D. Warner

As the evidence of the contribution of intoxicated drivers to vehicular fatalities continues to mount, interest has grown in the development of novel countermeasures. One approach now being considered involves the use of a device installed in the automobile which automatically determines if the driver is intoxicated and prevents the driver from operating the vehicle when intoxication is determined. In this paper such devices are discussed with particular consideration given to the method of determining intoxication, the point in time when the determination is made and their applications. The paper also discusses the Transportation Systems Center's research program directed to dealing with this problem.

Mount

10.4271/720138

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Citations (2)