Fit effect of motorcycle helmet : A finite element modeling

Optimized assessment of the adequacy of fit conditions between a motorcycle helmet and head size in relation to prevention of head injury remains unclear and is complicated by wide variations in the size and shape characteristics of helmet and wearer’s heads. A finite element model (LS-DYNA3D) based on realistic geometric features of a motorcycle helmet was established to simulate the standard shock absorption test for evaluating the dynamic response and fit effects of a helmet. The model was used to simulate crown, rear and side sites impacts of the helmet. The peak acceleration and Head Injury Criterion (HIC) were employed to assess the protective performance of the helmet against head injuries. The results show that this helmet model had various dynamic responses at different impact sites due to its geometric shape, but that the impact-absorbing capability did not vary markedly within these sites. The fit conditions between the headform and the helmet dramatically affected the assessment of the impact-absorbing capability of the helmet in the standard shock absorption test. However, for a motorcyclist, the helmet fit would have only minor influence on the protection against head injuries. This observation suggests that a better fitting helmet with stable fixation should provide more protection against head injury.