A Mathematical Model of the Human Body

A mathematical model for predicting the inertial properties of a human body in various positions has been developed. Twenty-five standard anthropometric dimensions are used in the model to predict an individual's center of gravity, moments and products of inertia, principal moments, and principal axes. The validity of the model was tested by comparing its predictions with experimental data from 66 subjects. The center of gravity was generally predicted within 0.7 inches and moments of inertia within 10 percent. The principal vertical axis was found to deviate from the longitudinal axis of the body by as much as 50 degrees, depending on the body position assumed. A generalized computer program to calculate the inertial properties of a subject in any body position is presented. The inertial properties of five composite subjects in each of 31 body positions is offered as a design guide. IBM 7094 digital computer programs are appended.

Year	Entry
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Year

Entry

1975

Chandler RF, Clauser CE, McConville JT, Reynolds HM, Young JW. Investigation of Inertial Properties of the Human Body. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory; March 1975. Report No. AMRL-TR-74-137.

1980

McConville JT, Churchill TD, Kaleps I, Clauser CE, Cuzzi J. Anthropometric Relationships of Body and Body Segment Moments of Inertia. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory; December 1980. Report No. AFAMRL-TR-80-119.

1975

Reynolds HM, Clauser CE, McConville J, Chandler R, Young JW. Mass distribution properties of the male cadaver. 1975. SAE 750424.

1999

Vaughan CL, Davis BL, O'Connor JC. Dynamics of Human Gait. 2nd ed. Cape Town, South Africa: Kiboho Publishers; 1999.

2005

Bourdet N, Willinger R. Human body-car seat coupling under rear impact. In: Proceedings of the 19th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 6-9, 2005; Washington, DC.