Helmet Evaluation via Oblique Impacts

An Oblique Impact Test Rig for Next-Generation European Helmet Testing Standards

The helmet is the common gear for head protection and its efficacy is assessed by dropping a helmeted headform onto a flat surface (i.e., radial impact), with the pass/fail criteria based on linear acceleration. The European Committee for Standardization is now designing a new testing standard that impacts the helmet against an angled surface (i.e., oblique impact) at four specific impact locations with angular acceleration measurement. This poses an urgent need of new test rigs and how current helmets perform in the new testing standard remains unknown. Based on the helmet lab in our group, the project aims to develop a new oblique impact test rig with reliable and repeatable results. The improved test rig will be used to rank the performance of bicycle helmets in Sweden. At its completion, we will deliver a new helmet test rig, addressing the national infrastructure deficit and meeting the coming regulatory requirements. We will report new data on the performance of current helmets in oblique impacts. This project will position Sweden at the forefront of helmet standardization and evaluation and have a high impact on improving safety.

Contact person: Qi huang

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