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Updated: May 30, 2025
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A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
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Measurement and Assessment of Head-to-Helmet Contact Forces
Turner Jennings1, Aidan Tillman2, D'mitra Mukasa2
1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|January 25, 2025
Summary
Helmet fit varies significantly between individuals, with head shape being a key factor. Current sizing methods may not ensure optimal helmet fit for all users.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Protective Equipment Design
Background:
- Proper helmet fit is crucial for effective protection.
- Understanding head-to-helmet interaction forces is essential for improving safety equipment.
- Existing helmet sizing standards may not account for individual anatomical variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate population variations in head-to-helmet contact forces.
- To identify factors influencing force distribution within helmets.
- To assess the adequacy of current helmet sizing methodologies.
Main Methods:
- Four sizes of Kevlar composite helmets were instrumented with pressure sensors and chinstrap tension meters.
- Eighty-nine volunteers (25 female, 64 male) had their head dimensions measured.
- Contact forces and chinstrap tension were recorded under various helmet configurations.
Main Results:
- Most contact forces were low (0-5 N), but some pressure points reached 30 N.
- Contact force distribution was non-uniform, with higher forces at the front.
- Head shape significantly influenced contact forces; differences were noted between sexes and experience levels.
Conclusions:
- Helmet fit is highly individual and subject-specific.
- Current helmet sizing metrics may not accurately predict optimal fit.
- Further research is needed to refine helmet fitting protocols.
