Citation

Breedlove KM, Breedlove EL, Bowman TG, Arruda EM, Nauman EA. J. Biomech. 2018; 79: 227-231.

Affiliation

School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.08.007

PMID

30195852

Abstract

Football helmet certification tests are performed without a facemask attached to the helmet; however, the facemask is expected to contribute substantially to the structure and dynamics of the helmet through the effects of added mass and added stiffness. Facemasks may increase the peak acceleration and severity index; therefore, as-used helmets may not mitigate head impacts as effectively as certification tests indicate. Furthermore, the effect is expected to depend on the helmet design as well as the orientation and speed of the impact. This study examined the influence of the facemask on impact behavior in a NOCSAE-style linear drop test and the interactions with location, velocity, and helmet model. Increases in peak acceleration and severity index of up to 36% were observed when helmets were tested with the facemask.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: American football

Language: en

Keywords

Drop test; Facemask; Football helmet; Gadd Severity Index; Head impact; Helmet evaluation; Protective equipment