Problem definition
To analyze long-distance driving fatigue, the human-body
model reviewed in Section 2.2 is first placed in the car seat
described in Section 2.4. Two additional environment segments are
then added, one representing the brake pedal/accelerator assembly
while the other representing the steering column. Then the
human-bodywas repositioned in accordance with a typical posture
associated with vehicle driving. This involved placing the driver’s
hands on the steering wheel, positioning of his right foot on the
accelerator pedal while having his left foot resting on the foot-rest/
vehicle-floor. In addition, neck flexion was adjusted to ensure
straight-forward vision of the driver. A typical driving posture used
in the present work is displayed in Fig. 3(a) and (b). To improve
clarity, human-body muscles are not shown in Fig. 3(a) and (b). To
mimic the reaction moment experienced by the driver’s right foot
during the act of acceleration, a 20 N m contact moment is applied
to the right-foot/accelerator pedal revolute joint. Where applicable,
to account for the presence/absence of lumbar support, the support
points on the lumbar section of the spine were added/removed
accordingly.