The Dynamic Behaviour of a Seat Within a Vehicle During Under Body Blast

Authors: Thanyani Pandelani, University of South Africa & Imperial College London; Nicolas Newell, Spyros Masouros, Imperial College London; David Reinecke, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa

Abstract

Under-body blast (UBB) events generate rapid vertical accelerations that can result in severe occupant injuries, particularly to the lower limbs, pelvis, and spine. The dynamic response of the seat plays a critical role in transmitting or mitigating these accelerations. This study is the first to use full-scale, live-blast experimental data to evaluate the effects of seat type (active/passive), seat mounting location (floor, wall, roof), and hull geometry (V-shaped, flat, compound-V) on peak seat velocity and time-to-peak velocity. Velocity–time profiles were developed from live-fire tests conducted under operationally realistic conditions, providing a unique dataset for blast-injury research and laboratory replication. 

The peak velocity and time to peak were used as a method for evaluating the results. The results indicated differences in seat response among configurations, though not all comparisons yielded statistically distinct outcomes. In general, variations in seat energy attenuation, mounting location, and hull geometry appeared to influence the measured peak velocities, with some configurations exhibiting comparatively lower responses than others. However, due to the inherent variability of live-blast testing and the limited number of trials per configuration, these observations should be interpreted as indicative rather than conclusive.  

The generated dataset offers globally relevant input parameters for laboratory-based UBB simulations, enabling controlled replication of realistic seat loading when investigating torso, pelvis, and lumbar spine injury mechanisms. This work bridges the gap between field testing, injury biomechanics, and protective design, providing both a methodological framework and critical data to support the development of enhanced vehicle and seating systems for blast protection. 

Type: Full Paper, Research

Keywords: IED, UBB, Active, Passive, Acceleration, Velocity, DRI

© Stapp Association, 2025

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