Forces That May Be Exerted by Man in the Operation of Aircraft Door Handles

Six handle configurations were tested by 8 male subjects on a test arrangement simulating an aircraft door. The torques exerted by the subjects were measured in angular increments of 45°. Over 1200 static and dynamic measurements were made. A limited check study on 10 females, totaling 120 measurements, was also made. The shape, length, direction of movement, arc of motion, effects of one-handed operation, maximum torques and differences between sexes are discussed.