To assist automotive seat development, methods for predicting the posture of seated occupants have been developed which utilize two-dimensional computer models constructed using commercial kinetic modeling software. The first model is a two-dimensional representation of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) three-dimensional testing manikin. This model was used to simulate experimental data collected with the SAE three-dimensional testing manikin regarding the stiffness and support force distribution of an automotive seat cushion.

The second model developed was the torso geometry and articulation of a mid-size male model known as JOHN. The kinetic two-dimensional JOHN model was used in a comparative seat study to determine the effect of different seat geometries on the final posture of the model.

This thesis describes the development, use and application of these models for improving automotive seat development.