Development of a Standard for the Health Hazard Assessment of Mechanical Shock and Repeated Impact in Army Vehicles Final Report: Summary of Phases 1 - 5.

Abstract : This study was designed and conducted in five phases between July 1991 and July 1997. The primary objective was to develop a dose-effect model to predict, and ultimately minimize, the risk of injury to a soldier when exposed to the repeated shock environment of tactical ground vehicles (TGVs). Phase 1 reviewed over 1,200 relevant scientific, medical, and military papers. Phase 2 analyzed and characterized the vibration and shock environment of Army TGVs. Based on Phase 2, motion simulations were developed for the experimental phases. Phase 3, a pilot study, determined the most sensitive human response measures to mechanical shock and repeated impact. Phase 4 identified important factors (biomechanical, physiological, biochemical, and subjective responses to motion exposure) to include in the development of a health hazard assessment model. In Phase 5, a health hazard assessment method was developed for mechanical shock and repeated impact in Army vehicles. A series of models were developed and programmed into a graphical user interface to simplify the application the health hazard assessment models to measured seat accelerations. Together, these models predict the risk of injury based on fatigue failure theory.