A STUDY OF VIBRATORY RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF A HUMAN BODY THROUGH ANALYTICAL MODELLING

Abstract

The human body is both physically and biologically a isystem' of an exceedingly complex nature. When looked upon as a mechanical system it contains a number of linear as well as non-linear +elements' and the mechanical properties are apt to change and are different from person to person. The subject of Bio-1ngineering thich deals with the engineering aspects of the human body has, lately, attracted the attention of engineers, doctors, scientists and researchers. Biologically the situation is by no means simpler, especially when psycho-logical effects are included. In considering the response of a human being to mechanical vibrations it is necessary to take into account both mechanical and psychological effects [5] . There is very little reliable information available on the magnitude of the forces required to produce mechanical damage to the hurndn body. It is also very di f f-icult to obtain reliable data on the effects of mechanical forces on the performance of various tasks and on subjective response to these forces largely because of the wide varia-tion in the human being in physiological, psychological and physical respects. Measurement of some of the mechanical properties of human -being is, however, often practicable since only small forces are needed for such studies.