Helmet Impact Tests: ANR Earcup Structural Integrity and the Effect of the ANREarcup System on Helmet Energy Attenuation

摘要

An experimental effort was conducted to measure the structural integrity of theANR earcup during helmet impact, and to measure whether the ANR earcup affects the energy attenuation properties of the helmet system during helmet impact. Helmet testing was completed using the Crew Systems Directorate's Helmet Drop Facility in which a helmeted headform experiences a guided freefall onto a rigid steel anvil to produce dynamic impact at 35 ft-lbs energy transfer. Standard earcups and the ANR earcups were compared in helmet impacts using the HGU-53/P and HGU-55/P helmets. The earcups were equal in their performance in that they did not have a negative effect on the energy attenuation properties of the helmet systems. The standard earcup's structural integrity was not compromised during the impacts; however, the ANR earcups sustained structural damage to their outer shell and their gel filled ear cushion.