Dynamic tensile failure mechanics of the musculoskeletal neck using a cadaver model.

Although the catapult phase of pilot ejections has been well characterized in terms of human response to compressive forces, the effect of the forces on the human body during the ensuing ejection phases (including windblast and parachute opening shock) has not been thoroughly investigated. Both windblast and parachute opening shock have been shown to induce dynamic tensile forces in the human cervical spine. However, the human tolerance to such loading is not well known.

Head rotation during vertical impact predicted using initial head angle and anthropometry.

Introduction: Dynamic inertial loading to the head and neck complex, similar to what is experienced during the rocket boost phase of pilot ejection, results in diverse kinematic responses when observed in live human volunteers. The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model of head rotation during the compressive phase of pilot ejection.

Methods: Post hoc analyses were conducted on data from two previous experimental studies.