Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Impact Absorbing Structures Used in Military Helmets

This article deals with the issues of head protection against dynamic effects. The current design of the helmets does not fully protect against the destruction of the soft tissues of the head resulting, for example, as a result of an impact. Damage to these tissues is usually caused by dynamic loads, and soldiers are one of the most vulnerable groups to craniocerebral injuries. Hence, the study undertook the development of a model and numerical research on determining the optimal design solution for materials absorbing impact energy. The work analyzes proprietary solutions of tubular and honeycomb structures for four different construction materials. The conducted research allowed to determine the mechanical properties of the proposed geometries of the helmet's dynamic load absorbing layer and the possibility of their use for head protection. Various solutions were analyzed in terms of geometry and material characteristics. In order to obtain the desired features of the analyzed structures, optimal values of parameters such as diameter or wall thickness were searched for. Two structures were analyzed in terms of the use of different materials. The performed numerical analysis showed that one of these structures exhibits special energy-absorbing properties, thanks to which it can be an effective solution for protecting the skull and soft tissues of the head against the effects of dynamic loads and impacts.