Effect of full helmet systems on human head responses under blast loading. (5th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez-Millán, M.; Tan, L.B; Tse, K.M.; Lee, H.P.; Miguélez, M.H
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 117(2017)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2017-03-05
• Subjects: Combat helmet design -- Mandibular guard -- Visor -- Blast simulation -- Head modeling -- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) -- Intracranial pressure (ICP); Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.12.081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: This paper focuses on helmet design for head protection under blast threats. It is presented a numerical investigation of the head response accruing to blast loads on helmet protective systems. Various combinations of the helmet, visor and mandible guard were numerically analyzed for a given mass of TNT at a distance to the target representing an anti-vehicle buried mine threat. Limited published articles on the subject are available in the scientific literature. In this paper, a 3D head–helmet numerical model for blast analyses is developed in the finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit. The results showed that individual protective systems are not effective enough to mitigate the damage caused by blast loading. The complete protective equipment reduces the pressures on the brain by up to 5 times and ensures that no fracture in the skull appears. This numerical study aims to provide helmet manufacturers and users with some insight in what possible brain injuries are to be expected in various blast scenarios so as to help in better diagnosis of unsuspected brain injury. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The effects of complementary systems added to the basic helmet configuration were numerically analyzed for a given mass of TNT. The protective equipment reduced brain pressures by 5 times and protected the head from skull fractures. Serious injuries may occur for the helmet with only one of the individual protective equipment