The fracturing of helmet shells

Abstract

The analysis of accidents involving two-wheeled motorized vehicles reveals the high incidence of fracturing of helmet shells. The severity of injuries increases because of the following two phenomena: the loss of the helmet during the occurrence of collision and the very poor distribution of impact forces against the shock-absorbent material. The occurrence of fractures is closely dependent upon the two following factors: the type of material of the shell and the violence of collisions. The present investigation therefore aims primarily to define a performance criterion in accordance with real-world collisions. This criterion could be required for future certification tests and should enable the selection of the most efficient materials. For the covering abstract of the conference see TRIS 393117. (Author/TRRL)