A Mathematical Model for Use in Evaluating and Developing Impact Test Methods for Protective Headgear

摘要

A lumped parameter mathematical model was developed to connect injury parameters in real life head impact environments to output parameters of test methods for evaluating protective headgear. Analytical/experimental schemes were developed for mathematically representing the parameters that characterize each of the three distinct elements of the model--the head or headform, the impact surface, the helmet. A comparison of the model output to experimental results showed a satisfactory agreement. The model was shown to be useful in determining test method pass/fail criteria which correspond to the threshold of injury in the real life situation.