Last modified: 14. 02. 2018
Abstract
Common property of composites and foams is their low specific weight. A utilization of these two materials in suitable combination allows the creation of lightweight impact energy absorbers where composite layers advantageously distribute impact forces into foam layers. This paper deals with a helmet consisting of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and open-closed cell foam (OCCF). EPS is crushable foam commonly used in personal protective equipment, OCCF is modern energy absorbing material having different mechanical response according to strain rate. Impact force responses were investigated experimentally using a drop tower designed by the authors and numerically using the finite element method in ABAQUS software. The obtained results were used in design of a versatile sport helmet. The helmet consists of outer CFRP shell, EPS liner which fit tightly the CFRP shell, and inner OCCF liner.
This publication was supported by the project LO1506 of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.