Abstract
This paper describes an alternative method for helmet design using finite element analysis (FEA). While previous research has illustrated the use of FEA as a tool to simulate standard helmet tests, the objective of this research was to use FEA as a tool to optimize the performance characteristics of the energy absorbing (EA) liner of an existing Navy helicopter pilot helmet (i.e., the HGU-84/P). Three dimensional finite element models (FEM) of the helmet components and the test headform were developed using MSC software and material properties were estimated from published data and physical tests. A 6.0 m/s flat anvil impact was then simulated at three different sites on the helmet using MSC.Dytran software and these simulations served as the baseline. Full scale impact tests were performed with an examplar helmet in order to confirm the validity of the simulations as well as the helmet shell and liner material properties.
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