Problems in Vibration Research

Abstract

Man's exposure to low-frequency vibration in vehicles is discussed. Research with humans in vibration experiments has led to a common core of findings, but with some areas of conflict. Discrepancies in results are examined in the light of several methodological problems. These are (1) procedural variations including use of subjects, body restraints, body supports, and constant amplitude vs. constant acceleration experimental designs; (2) terminology, with attention to directions of motion; (3) random vs. sinusoidal motion; (4) single and multiple factors; (5) scaling; and (6) performance evaluation including the matters of equipment setup, vibrating and stable displays, and standardized tasks.