Human Head Modeling and Personal Head Protective Equipment: A Literature Review

Abstract

Human head is the most important but fragile part of human body. In order to design the head-gear and study the sophisticated capabilities of human head, the head models have been developing for decades. There are two types of human head models: digital headform and finite element model (biomechanical head model). The complexity of head structure makes these attempts very difficult until the invention of the high-speed computers and the modern medical devices like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Head modeling also has widely potential use in the design process of personal head and face protective equipment (PHFPE). Hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants are encountered daily for workers. Those hazards are capable of causing injury or illness through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact. PHFPE includes helmets, masks, eye protection and hearing protection. This study attempts to review different kinds of head models and PHFPE, such as respirators, helmets and goggles. It mainly focuses on the historical developments. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.