Dynamic Characteristics of Bicycle Helmets

摘要

Polymer foam has been widely used in bicycle helmets as an efficient energy-absorption material. This study examines the energy-absorbing capacity and various failure modes of polymer foam laminated structure. The impact tests were conducted at a particularly designed drop weight test rig in accordance with relevant standards. Based on the experiment observations, a mechanics model is proposed which is capable of estimating the contact force and predicting the energy absorbed by the bicycle helmet. The predictions have shown good agreement with the experimental measurements. Alternative selection of materials is also suggested.