Modal Analysis of Standing Human Body Using FEM

Abstract

Biodynamic response of a human body can be studied using different techniques i.e. Lumped Parameter Modeling (LPM), Finite Element Modeling (FEM), Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) and experimental investigations. In this study, modal analysis has been performed for two different Indian male subjects (in standing posture) using FEM under free un-damped vibration conditions. Modal analysis is performed to study behavior of human subjects at natural frequencies which is helpful in designing of components i.e. lifts, escalators, hand rails etc. Physical dimensions to make 3-D CAD model of human subjects have been calculated using anthropometric data and formulae available in existing literature. The results obtained by performing modal analysis of both human subjects have been compared and validated with the existing literature. It has been observed that maximum effect of vibration (deformation) transmits from head to lower arms with the increase of natural frequency in both cases and also, deformation in 54 kg subject is more than that of 76 kg for all the cases.