Application of Auxetic Foam in Sports Helmets
Source abstract
Abstract
This investigation explored the viability of using open cell polyurethane auxetic foams to augment the conformable layer in a sports helmet and improve its linear impact acceleration attenuation. Foam types were compared by examining the impact severity on an instrumented anthropomorphic headform within a helmet consisting of three layers: a rigid shell, a stiff closed cell foam, and an open cell foam as a conformable layer. Auxetic and conventional foams were interchanged to act as the helmet’s conformable component. Attenuation of linear acceleration was examined by dropping the combined helmet and headform on the front and the side. The helmet with auxetic foam reduced peak linear accelerations (p < 0.05) relative to its conventional counterpart at the highest impact energy in both orientations. Gadd Severity Index reduced by 11% for frontal impacts (38.9 J) and 44% for side impacts (24.3 J). The conformable layer within a helmet can influence the overall impact attenuating properties. The helmet fitted with auxetic foam can attenuate impact severity more than when fitted with conventional foam, and warrants further investigation for its potential to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in sport specific impacts.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Automotive and Human Injury Biomechanics · Traumatic Brain Injury Research · Injury Epidemiology and Prevention
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Centre for Sports Engineering Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
Adidas Futures Team, Portland, OR 97217, USA
School of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
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