Technical FRC will generate concepts for a modular energy absorbing bench-style seat with integrated safety features. We will evaluate the performance of the modular seat and integrated safety features through modeling and simulation using representative finite element models of vehicles, crash and blast environments, and dummies representing the central 90TH percentile soldier population. Injury criteria defined by the project sponsor in addition to targeted performance envelopes will be used to rank and refine the performance of the concept systems. FRC will work with industry partners to ensure that the modular seat concepts that are developed are based upon realistic manufacturing, packaging, and integration capabilities. A trade study will be produced to allow for direct comparison between the benefit and cost of each system with respect to each crash and blast mode of interest. The project team and industry partners will apply their extensive expertise in the development of safety systems for occupant protection in ground vehicles to the specific needs of the Stryker and, eventually, the Next Generation Combat Vehicles. The project team also expects to apply the innovative results of this project to ground vehicle safety in the commercial heavy vehicle sector.
