Human Factors Assessment for Comfort and Safety in the XCAT Powerboats Rules

In the speed-based competition, with the use of fast vehicles, a fundamental aspect is the safety and comfort of the drivers. In each speed-based competition, the drivers are subjected to vibrations and stresses whose evaluation is fundamental in order to quantify the discomfort of them. The comfort conditions are guaranteed by a deep study of the correct size of the internal spaces, the right posture of the drivers and the right choice of the position of the elements inside the vehicles (damping elements, position of the steering wheel, position of instruments, etc.). Another important aspect is the assessment of the escape spaces in case of accident. To reach these goals, the Governing Body act with the definition and the verification of technical rules. In this work the field of interest is powerboats sport. During the powerboat race, the reached speed and the z-acceleration of the boat lead to several stresses on drivers. Two different approaches have been investigated, a traditional 2D approach and an innovative 3D approach. Results have been discussed.