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Which Human Vibration Weightings Should I Use?

Human Vibration Measurement Weightings | Model HVM200

When measuring human vibration, it is important to use the correct weightings for your measurement situation to account for the different resonances within the human body. Following is a chart of common vibration scenarios with the appropriate frequency weighting factor for each axis. There are settings pre-programmed in the Human Vibration Meter Model HVM200 for some vibration conditions. Note that in addition to the pre-programmed settings, a user can create and save custom settings as needed.

Human Vibration Postures

Vibration Conditionx-axisy-axisz-axisHVM200 Setting
Vibration transmitted through the seat, measured at the seat surfaceWdWdWkComfortSeat/ HealthSeat
Vibration transmitted through the seat on a fixed-guide transport system, such as a train or subway, measured at the seat surfaceWdWdWbN/A
Vibration transmitted through the seat, measured at the seat backWcWdWdComfortBack / ComfortMod
Vibration transmitted through the seat for a fixed-guide transport system, such as a train or subway, measured at the seat backWcWdWbN/A
Vibration transmitted at the feet for a person in a seated positionWkWkWkComfortFeet
Vibration transmitted through the floor to a standing person WdWdWkN/A
Vibration transmitted through the floor under the pelvis to a person in a prone position WdWdWkN/A
Vibration transmitted through the floor under the pelvis to a person in a prone position when on a fixed-guide transport system, such as a train or subwayWdWdWbN/A
Vibration transmitted through the floor at the head to a person in a prone positionWjWdWkN/A
Vibration transmitted through the floor at the head to a person in a prone position, when on a fixed-guide transport system, such as a train or subwayWjWdWbN/A
Whole body vibration in buildingsWmWmWmWmBuilding
All hand-arm vibration measurementsWhWhWhHand-Arm
Rotational vibrations for a seated personWeWeWeComfortRot

For further reference, these are the frequency weightings defined by ISO 2631-1

Frequency WeightingISO 2631-1 Definition
Wbz-axis vertical vibration, seated, standing, or recumbent for fixed-guide transport systems
Wcx-axis, horizontal, seat back, seated person
WdHorizontal whole body, x- or y-axis, seated, standing, or recumbent; z-axis seated (at seat back)
WeRotational, all directions, seated person
WfVertical whole-body, z-axis motion sickness (for low-frequency whole body vibration signals), seated or standing
WhHand-arm, all directions
WiVertical head vibration, x-axis, recumbent person
WjVertical whole body, z-axis seated (at seat surface), standing, or recumbent
WmWhole body in buildings, all directions