Effect of different helmet shell configurations on the protection against head trauma

Abstract

Head trauma following a ballistic impact in a helmeted head is assessed in this work by means of finite element models. Both the helmet and the head models employed were validated against experimental high-rate impact tests in a previous work. Four different composite ply configurations were tested on the helmet shell, and the energy absorption and the injury outcome resulting from a high-speed impact with full metal jacket bullets were computed. Results reveal that hybrid aramid–polyethylene configurations do not prevent bullet penetration at high velocities, while 16-layer aramid configurations are superior in dissipating the energy absorbed from the impact. The fabric orientation of these laminates proved to be determinant for the injury outcome, as maintaining the same orientations for all the layers led to basilar skull fractures (dangerous), while alternating orientation of the adjacent plies resulted in an undamaged skull. To the authors knowledge, no previous work in the literature has analysed numerically the influence of different stack configurations on a single combat helmet composite shell on human head trauma.

Turbans vs. Helmets: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature on Head Injuries and Impact Loci of Cranial Trauma in Several Recreational Outdoor Sports

“…Even though a turban leaves 38% of the cranial surface area unprotected, that area appears to be significantly underrepresented as an impact zone. While there are modelling studies that consider the protective capability of helmets on head trauma, for example, from ballistic impact [113] or blunt impact while cycling [114], only one modelling study has been located that relates to impacts in sports. A French study with 1920 simulations using multiple rider postures as well as horse movements found three main impact areas (frontal, parieto-occipital, and temporospatial) with the greatest force exerted on the frontal area [112].…”

Numerical Analysis of EOD Helmet under Blast Load Events Using Human Head Model

“…The helmet shell is the most external part and constitutes the principal structural element of the EOD helmet. It is made of composite based on aramid fiber, which is widely used in the field of personal protection [21,22,[28][29][30][31][32] due to the excellent resistance to weight ratio. Helmet shell thickness is 4 mm.…”