An impact testing machine development for helmets according to several standards

Abstract

The present work has as objective the design and whole mechanical development of an absorption and penetration impact machine. The innovation of this work lies behind the integration of the indispensable characteristics in a single equipment to meet the greatest number of possible tests for different types of helmets; which have to be tested under the greatest possible number of standards. At the beginning of the project, an in-depth study is made of the different types of helmets and their main characteristics, as well as, the tests that are carried out for their certification according to specific standards, contemplating more than 30 international standards. Protective helmets and their corresponding standards are studied in areas as diverse as sporting use, industry, firefighters, motorbikes and for the protection of impacts on children. The search for design smart solutions meeting most amount of studied standards was also addressed for additional requirements, such as a very tight budget and other related with risk prevention. These proposed solutions have been assessed by experimental and/or numerical methods until meet a final solution according to the multidisciplinary requirements. Finally, a testing machine that meets all the requirements for this type of equipment was developed, meeting with a low manufacturing cost and satisfying the extensive standards that regulate the absorption and penetration impact tests of different types of helmets.