Title: Biomechanical performance of a bicycle helmet design on a six-year-old head impact protection

Authors: Bei Li; Haiyan Li; Shihai Cui; Lijuan He; Shijie Ruan

Addresses: Centre for Injury Biomechanics and Vehicle Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 30022, China ' Centre for Injury Biomechanics and Vehicle Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 30022, China ' Centre for Injury Biomechanics and Vehicle Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 30022, China ' Centre for Injury Biomechanics and Vehicle Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 30022, China ' Centre for Injury Biomechanics and Vehicle Safety, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 30022, China

Abstract: A previously developed and validated 6-year-old (6YO) Finite Element (FE) human head model was used to evaluate the biomechanical performance of a new bicycle helmet design for children. The cushion structure of the new helmet design is made of honeycomb paperboard and corrugated paperboard instead of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam. Simulation results showed that the EPS foam helmet can effectively resist external shocks in a short period. However, based on biomechanical responses of the 6YO head model, honeycomb and corrugated paperboard helmets also had a promising cushioning performance. From the drop test of the head-helmet model simulations, the effects of paperboard thickness and material parameters on the helmet protection efficiency were further investigated. It was concluded that the EPS foam helmet can be replaced with honeycomb/corrugated paperboard helmets which are made of more environmental friendly manufacturing materials.

Keywords: bicycle helmet model; human head model; injury biomechanics; corrugated; honeycomb.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVS.2020.109217

International Journal of Vehicle Safety, 2020 Vol.11 No.3, pp.197 - 213

Received: 30 May 2019
Accepted: 31 May 2019
Published online: 02 Sep 2020 *

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