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Humans are most sensitive to low frequency whole body vibrations often associated with roadways. As a result, improvement of vibration characteristics is an important aspect of vehicle design. While much research has been performed on active suspensions and their role in ride quality, comparatively little has been performed on seat dynamics. This paper develops a method of selecting optimal seat dynamic seat parameters with respect to ride quality. A nine degree of freedom dynamic vehicle simulation model is presented. An optimization procedure, using absorbed power as the objective function, then minimizes rider discomfort by manipulating the seat dynamic parameters. A two degree of freedom seat model yields four design variables, including seat suspension stiffness and damping and seat cushion stiffness and damping. The optimization problem is solved for several road inputs and two different vehicle models.

Due to the special requirements of the transit bus operator's function, the environment can be a very difficult place to work, especially for large males and small females. This paper addresses the design of bus operator work stations to accommodate people from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male. Results from a bus operator survey, task analysis and an evaluation of a proposed bus operator work station are presented. While attempting to maintain the amount of adjustment to a minimum, adjustment greater than present practice was included in components like the instrument panels, seat and steering column. The controls were grouped in the instrument panels by their function. Controls dealing with passenger pick-up and delivery are located in a right-hand instrument panel. A jury of over one hundred subjects evaluated the proposed work station. The jury evaluation showed that the work station will accommodate the above population extremes.