Modified Drop Tower Impact Tests for American Football Helmets

Area of Science:

• Sports Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Athletic Safety

Background:

• Current American football helmet testing standards may not fully represent on-field impact scenarios.
• The influence of the faceguard on helmet impact dynamics is not adequately addressed in existing protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a modified National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) test method for American football helmets.
• To enhance the assessment of on-field impact performance by integrating the faceguard into helmet testing.
• To compare impact metrics under modified testing conditions.

Main Methods:

• A modified NOCSAE drop tower test method was developed, incorporating the faceguard onto the helmet.
• Drop tests were conducted on different helmet locations, including newly proposed Front Top and Front Top Boss locations.
• Head Injury Criterion (HIC), Severity Index (SI), and peak acceleration values were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The faceguard was found to add a stiffening kinematic constraint, reducing total energy absorption.
• Comparative results showed differences in HIC, SI, and peak acceleration values when the faceguard was included.
• The modified test method provides a more accurate representation of on-field impacts.

Conclusions:

• Modifying the NOCSAE standard to include the faceguard and specific impact locations offers a more robust assessment of football helmet performance.
• This improved testing methodology can lead to the development of safer football helmets.
• The findings highlight the critical role of the faceguard in helmet impact mitigation.