Seating Configuration

Impact Object

Thorax Injury

Type

Diagram

Dir

Object

Shape / Stiffness

Injury Mechanisms

Injury Type

Unidirectional

Fwd

No Impact

No Impact

Very low indirect loads

Very low injury risk

Open Bay

Fwd

No Impact

No Impact

Very low indirect loads

Very low injury risk

Bay with table

Fwd

Table edge ton lower thorax

Blunt / High to moderate

Direct impact to lower rib cage and liver, spleen, kidneys

Rib fractures and internal contusions / ruptures to liver and spleen

Lateral

Fwd Rwd

Partition Walls / Upper seat backs

Flat / High

Direct impact but usually protected by shoulder impact except for low seat backs

Rib fractures and internal contusions / ruptures to liver and spleen

Exposed Seat

Fwd

Grab handle / Grab poles

Blunt / High

Direct impact to thorax

Rib fractures and internal contusions / ruptures to heart / lung liver and spleen.

Flat chest rib fractures (move thru rib fractures) , can be very severe as they cause internal penetration injuries

Standing

Fwd

Seat backs / Grab Poles / Grab Handles

Blunt / High

Direct impact to thorax

Rib fractures and internal contusions / ruptures to heart / lung liver and spleen

Unidirectional

Bay Seating

High Backs

Rwd

Seat Back

Flat / Low

Acceleration loads

Low risk of internal contusions produced by acceleration loads

Unidirectional

Bay Seating

Low Backs

Rwd

Seat Back

Flat / Low

Acceleration loads

Low risk of internal contusions produced by acceleration loads