Structural Characteristics of Motorcycle Helmets

This paper presents the results of a series of nearly two hundred tests of five different brands of motorcycle helmets to determine their force-deformation characteristics and their resistance to penetration. Tests were carried out with helmets mounted on head-forms. Among the test variables were point of loading, environmental preconditioning, loading rate and headform type.

Results presented include the measured force-deformation curves, tabulated data showing permanent change in helmet thickness, energy of deformation, secant modulus at 40 KN force, and force and deformation at which the helmet is fully crushed. Also presented are measured helmet thicknesses, weights and mass center locations.