Abstract
In the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, critical weight, volume, and cost factors have led to new engineering applications of previously obtained data on body dimensions. They have also resulted in the generation of new data, pointed the way to new research needs, and produced a maturing of approaches in the field of anthropometric applications. Typical problems and solutions, resulting in present and projected benefits from these programs, are presented in this paper, which includes an organization of anthropometric procedures, a prediction of future population body dimensions, a description of improved drafting manikins and improved prediction and measurement of center of mass locations, and a discussion of approaches that account for the effects of changing gravitation and acceleration loads. It also presents some improvements in mockup evaluation techniques and an example of new design criteria development: an unusual location for an electronic rotational hand controller between the pilot's knees. These and other aerospace benefits are now available to the human factors/ergonomics fields, to hardware designers, and to product manufacturers and users.
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