Reduction of hand transmitted and whole body vibrations experienced by tractor operators by using piezo crystal material
A study was proposed to investigate the effects of vibration on tractor operator's health attempting a biodynamic and physiological approach. The source vibration levels at steering wheel and seat for the hand transmitted and whole body vibration during different tractor operations were measured. Two isolators, one commercially available, made of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and the other custom designed, made of piezo electric material embedded in SBR were tested for attenuation of vibration. It was observed that an average 40% reduction in vibration intensity was experienced with installation of custom designed isolator underneath the tractor operator's seat. The measured values of vertical vibration at operator's seat were found to be within 8 h fatigue decreased proficiency boundary limit. Incorporation of custom designed isolator reduced the muscle load to a maximum of 44.37% in erector spinae muscle during first tilling operation, while flexor carpi radialis in transport attained 23.03% reduction. Keywords: Piezo crystal, vibration, transmissibility, accelerometer, isolators