Optimization of bus seat vibration isolation by experiment and metaheuristic approaches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.23.2.2026.4.1023Keywords:
bus seat vibration, vibration optimization, vibration mitigationAbstract
One way of determining health risk to public transport passengers is by measuring whole-body vibration (WBV) according to ISO 2631-1 standard. This Standard specifies the measurement and evaluation of RMS acceleration and Vibration Dose Value (VDV) in the range 0.5–80 Hz along three axes, using specific frequency-weighting curves. On longer routes over rough road surfaces, this measurement will help assess short- and long-term health effects. Existing bus seats are commonly bolted to the floor without vibration isolation, which may amplify vibration transmitted to passengers. This study aims to characterize and optimize the use of a passive rubber damper by integrating an EMT-FEA-PSO framework into an unmodified twin-seat passenger bus structure. Experimental Modal Testing (EMT) identified six dominant vibration modes in the 20–100 Hz range, which are validated against a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model with an error within 10–15%. On-road measurements revealed that SEAT values consistently above 100% at speeds of 30–80 km/h, confirming vibration amplification by the unmodified seat. In laboratory tests, three rubber isolators were evaluated for effectiveness, and one damper reduced RMS acceleration by approximately 33%. Next, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) was applied to a 2-DOF seat–floor model to determine optimal damper stiffness, where the PSO-simulated FRF shows clear resonance peak attenuation. The proposed methodology offers a practical, low-cost design guidance tool for improving WBV isolation in bus seating and can be extended to other vehicle or machinery support structures.
References
[1] M. Moore, Y. Yao, A. Seifi, S. Rakheja, R. Sedaghati, “Effects of non-neutral head-neck posture on seat-to-head vibration transmissibility response characteristics in rotorcraft pilot/crew,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, vol. 113, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2026.103928
[2] W. Ding, L. Wang, Z. Chen, H. Ao, H. Yan, Z. Li, “Influence of seat-human contact on discomfort caused by vertical whole-body vibration under Class C road excitation,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, vol. 110, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2025.103816
[3] F. Tajdari, C. Messiou, R. Happee, G. Papaioannou, “Can seat suspensions mitigate motion sickness and enhance vibration comfort while being driven? A subjective assessment of the K-Seat,” Applied Ergonomics, vol. 135, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2026.104772
[4] E. Davies, F. Nasiri, “A comparative vibroacoustic performance and comfort assessment of conventional and electric buses: The city of Montreal case study,” Transportation Research Procedia, vol. 44, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2026.101244
[5] X. Ma, Y. Li, J. Zhang, “A biomechanics-informed nonlinear dynamic model for seated occupant exposed to vertical vibration and impact,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 254, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2026.114410
[6] A. König, C.-J. Kat, N. Keough, H. M. Oberholzer, J. Myburgh, “Effects of seated whole-body vibration on the lumbar spine: A Sprague-Dawley animal model,” Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 201, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2026.113261
[7] P. Grabski, D. Frej, M. Jaśkiewicz, L. Karwala, R. Chaba, “Experimental analysis of vertical vibrations in child car seats with a swivel base,” Transportation Research Procedia, vol. 93, pp. 236–241, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2025.11.036
[8] V. F. M. Remy, B. Antoine, I. G. Canu, “The bus-ergonomics matrix for comprehensive evaluation of buses and bus drivers’ exposure,” Applied Ergonomics, vol. 128, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104550
[9] A. Said, M. Kwikima, A. Ripanda, “Ergonomic challenges and health implications for long-distance bus passengers in Tanzania,” Advanced Design Research, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 159–170, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijadr.2026.03.002
[10] R. P. Blood, M. A. Johnson, P. W. Wasserman, “Whole-body vibration exposures in metropolitan bus drivers,” Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 329, no. 1, pp. 109–120, 2010. 10.1016/j.jsv.2009.08.030
[11] O. Thamsuwan, P. W. Wasserman, N. Miyashita, “Whole-body vibration exposures in bus drivers: A field study,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 495–502, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2012.10.003
[12] M. Bovenzi, “Low back pain disorders and exposure to whole-body vibration in professional drivers,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 367–377, 1996. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0146-0005(96)80056-5
[13] D. Sekulić, S. Rusov, V. Dedović, S. Šalinić, D. Mladenović, and I. Ivković, “Analysis of bus users’ vibration exposure time,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, vol. 65, pp. 26–35, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2018.01.017
[14] D. Sekulić, V. Dedović, S. Rusov, S. Šalinić, A. Obradović, “Analysis of vibration effects on the comfort of intercity bus users by oscillatory model with ten degrees of freedom,” Applied Mathematical Modelling, vol. 37, no. 18–19, pp. 8629–8644, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2013.03.060
[15] G. Coquel, C. Fillol, “Analysis of ground-borne noise and vibration levels generated by buses,” Procedia Engineering, vol. 199, pp. 2699–2704, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.09.564
[16] M. Z. Nuawi, A. R. Ismail, M. J. M. Nor, M. M. Rahman, “Comparative study of whole-body vibration exposure between train and car passengers: A case study in Malaysia,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 4, pp. 490–503, 2011. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.4.2011.10.0040
[17] International Organization for Standardization, “Mechanical vibration and shock – Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration – Part 1: General requirements,” 1997.
[18] J. L. Van Niekerk, R. S. Pielemeier, M. J. Greenberg, “The use of SEAT values to predict seat transmissibility,” Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 260, no. 5, pp. 867–888, 2003. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-460X(02)00934-3
[19] J. H. Varterasian, R. R. Thompson, “Human response to whole-body vibration: Transmissibility and subjective discomfort,” Human Factors, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 683–693, 1977. https://doi.org/10.1006/jsvi.2002.5498
[20] M. H. U. Bhuiyan, Y. Matsumoto, M. J. Griffin, “Effects of whole-body vibration on driver drowsiness,” Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 519, p. 117540, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2022.02.009
[21] S. A. Adam, N. A. A. Jalil, K. A. M. Razali, Y. G. Ng, M. F. Aladdin, “Mathematical model of suspension seat-person exposed to vertical vibration for off-road vehicles,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 6773–6782, 2019. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.16.2.2019.22.0509
[22] R. Rahmani, M. Mahdavi, A. Shafei, “Modal testing and vibration characterization of vehicle seats for ride comfort evaluation,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 120, pp. 36–48, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1177/0954406219858172
[23] K. Chen, X. Liu, Y. Yang, “Ride comfort analysis and hierarchical parameter identification using multi-objective optimization,” Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 138, p. 106556, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2020.108142
[24] S. Kumar, B. Ramesh, “Optimization of seat suspension parameters for ride comfort,” Applied Acoustics, vol. 164, p. 107242, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40032-014-0156-7
[25] M. Al-Dhahebi, A. K. Junoh, Z. Mohamed, W. Z. A. W. Muhamad, “A computational approach for optimizing vehicles’ interior noise and vibration,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 4690–4703, 2022. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.14.4.2017.8.0369
[26] O. Zargar, A. Masoumi, A. O. Moghaddam, “Investigation and optimization for the dynamical behaviour of the vehicle structure,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 4196–4210, 2022. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.14.2.2017.7.0336
[27] A. Jamali, M. H. Hassan, L. Roslan, M. S. Hadi, “Implementation of evolutionary algorithms to parametric identification of gradient flexible plate structure,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 10559–10573, 2023. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.20.3.2023.01.0815
[28] R. Rosli, Z. Mohamed, G. Priyandoko, “Semi active s eat suspension system using modified intelligent active force control,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 8498–8504, 2021. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.18.1.2021.09.0644
[29] N. Nawayseh, “A mathematical model of the apparent mass of the human body under fore-and-aft whole-body vibration,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 3613–3627, 2022. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.13.3.2016.7.0297
[30] C. W. Shan, M. I. Ghazali, M. I. Idris, “Improved vibration characteristics of flexible polyurethane foam via composite formation,” International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, vol. 7, pp. 1031–1042, 2022. https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.7.2012.19.0084
[31] G. Papaioannou, C. Papadimitriou, S. Pnevmatikos, “A hybrid particle swarm optimization approach for vehicle suspension design,” Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 442, pp. 242–258, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2010.02.002
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
