Composite Cushion for Seated Aircrew Endurance

SBIR Phase I proposal for an innovative Composite Seat Cushion (CSC) design concept that improves vibration isolation, static and dynamic comfort, and reduces fatigue. The CSC design concept imbeds air cushions or gel cushion in foams to correct body-seat interface pressure distribution and lower peak and average pressure. Shear thickening materials are used to tailor properties according to load and vibration frequency. The CSC configured for drop-in retrofit existing NAVAIR aircraft seats and will not change the H-point. We use a combination of analysis and laboratory testing to quantify CSC performance against the baseline seat cushion that enable us to further develop and iteratively improve the prototype design under Phase II.