TY - GEN
T1 - Simulation and Analysis of Cervical Biomechanics and Injury Risk in Fighter Pilots Under Different Seatback Angles
AU - Wang, Jiatao
AU - Sun, Chuancai
AU - Jiang, Weisheng
AU - Zhou, Qianxiang
AU - Liu, Zhongqi
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - This study investigates the biomechanical effects of different seat inclinations on the cervical spine of fighter jet pilots under high-load conditions. It assesses the stress, strain, and injury risk to the cervical spine during two flight scenarios: rapid pull-up and stable circling maneuvers. Based on the 50th percentile pilot anthropometric data from Chinese military standards, a detailed finite element model of the cervical spine, including vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments, was constructed. The model’s validity was confirmed by comparing the experimental data of vertebral range of motion and axial impact. By applying acceleration profiles corresponding to rapid pull-up and stable circling maneuver conditions, the biomechanical responses of pilots were simulated at seat inclinations of 17° and 22°. The study analyzes the effects of different seat angles on cervical spine stress, strain, and displacement. It employs the Neck Injury Criterion (NIC) to assess the risk of spinal cord injury in the neck. Under both conditions, a seat inclination of 22° significantly increased the stress and displacement in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, though it did not reach the threshold for direct injury. The C5-C6 intervertebral disc experienced the highest stress during rapid pull-ups, indicating that the lower cervical spine bears greater loads under high-load conditions. The C3–C4 and C4–C5 intervertebral discs showed a notable increase in stress during stable circling maneuvers, reflecting differences in loading patterns under varying flight conditions. The NIC values for both seat angles did not reach the threshold for spinal cord injury; however, higher seat inclinations resulted in elevated NIC values, suggesting potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to high-load environments. Greater seat back inclinations increase the biomechanical load on pilots’ cervical spines, elevating the risk of neck-related ailments. This study provides scientific evidence for the design of fighter jet seats and pilot protection strategies. It is recommended that seat inclination effects on the cervical spine be comprehensively considered in the design process to ensure pilots’ long-term health and safety.
AB - This study investigates the biomechanical effects of different seat inclinations on the cervical spine of fighter jet pilots under high-load conditions. It assesses the stress, strain, and injury risk to the cervical spine during two flight scenarios: rapid pull-up and stable circling maneuvers. Based on the 50th percentile pilot anthropometric data from Chinese military standards, a detailed finite element model of the cervical spine, including vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and ligaments, was constructed. The model’s validity was confirmed by comparing the experimental data of vertebral range of motion and axial impact. By applying acceleration profiles corresponding to rapid pull-up and stable circling maneuver conditions, the biomechanical responses of pilots were simulated at seat inclinations of 17° and 22°. The study analyzes the effects of different seat angles on cervical spine stress, strain, and displacement. It employs the Neck Injury Criterion (NIC) to assess the risk of spinal cord injury in the neck. Under both conditions, a seat inclination of 22° significantly increased the stress and displacement in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, though it did not reach the threshold for direct injury. The C5-C6 intervertebral disc experienced the highest stress during rapid pull-ups, indicating that the lower cervical spine bears greater loads under high-load conditions. The C3–C4 and C4–C5 intervertebral discs showed a notable increase in stress during stable circling maneuvers, reflecting differences in loading patterns under varying flight conditions. The NIC values for both seat angles did not reach the threshold for spinal cord injury; however, higher seat inclinations resulted in elevated NIC values, suggesting potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to high-load environments. Greater seat back inclinations increase the biomechanical load on pilots’ cervical spines, elevating the risk of neck-related ailments. This study provides scientific evidence for the design of fighter jet seats and pilot protection strategies. It is recommended that seat inclination effects on the cervical spine be comprehensively considered in the design process to ensure pilots’ long-term health and safety.
KW - biomechanics
KW - finite element analysis
KW - neck injury
KW - pilot
KW - seatback angle
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105007842379
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-031-93502-2_25
DO - 10.1007/978-3-031-93502-2_25
M3 - 会议稿件
AN - SCOPUS:105007842379
SN - 9783031935015
T3 - Lecture Notes in Computer Science
SP - 365
EP - 377
BT - Digital Human Modeling and Applications in Health, Safety, Ergonomics and Risk Management - 16th International Conference, DHM 2025, Held as Part of the 27th HCI International Conference, HCII 2025, Proceedings
A2 - Duffy, Vincent G.
PB - Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
T2 - 16th International Conference on Digital Human Modeling and Applications in Health, Safety, Ergonomics and Risk Management, DHM 2025, held as part of the 27th HCI International Conference, HCII 2025
Y2 - 22 June 2025 through 27 June 2025
ER -