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Motorcycle Helmet Safety

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2013/04/08/motorcycle-helmet-standards-explained-dot-ec

e-22-05-snell/

● impact attenuation basically energy absorption


● penetration resistance
● retention system effectiveness
● peripheral vision to be not less than 105° from the helmet midlin
● Helmet must have labeled :
○ The manufacturer’s name
○ Model number or name
○ “DOT” below the manufacturer’s name
○ “FMVSS 218” centered below DOT
○ The word “Certified” below FMVSS 218
● The labels show that they are not counterfeit and are safe to use
● Must have sturdy chin strap

https://www.schwartzandschwartz.com/free-crumple-zones/

Crumple Zone​ is designed to take the impact or minimize the impact on your body sitting inside

that car

● In helmet, padding inside absorbs impact

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet

● 42% reduce death

● 69% reduce head injury

● Created first from a basic canvas design for 1941 Isle of Man

○ Usually a few head injuries


○ That year there were none since they had helmets

● Believed to have increased risk of spinal injury

○ False and based on no evidence

● Cheaper helmets made of plastic

● Pricier made of kevlar or fiberglass or carbon fiber

○ Help make it lighter

● Padding made of expanded polystyrene foam

● Lexan can be used (bulletproof glass)

○ Doesn’t crush on impact

○ More expensive

● Fiberglass will crush on impact

○ More protection and absorption of injury

● To prevent closed head injury (most common)

https://qbi.uq.edu.au/concussion/do-helmets-protect-against-concussion

How helmets dissipate force :

● Hardshell dissipates force over larger surface area

● Foam inside reduces peak impact

○ Extends distance of head deceleration aka takes longer for head to slow

down so less abrupt movement

● Foam also absorbs most of the remaining energy

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-3/Newton-s-Second-Law

Newton's 2nd Law of Motion :

● acceleration of an object is dependent upon two variables


○ the net force acting upon the object

○ the mass of the object.

○ As mass increases, acceleration decreases

https://sciencing.com/calculate-force-impact-7617983.html

How to calculate force of impact :

● Divide kinetic energy by distance - ​F = (0.5 * m * v^2) ÷ d

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet

● Advantage of full face helmet

○ Protects from chin injuries

○ Main attractiveness is the protectiveness

○ Vents to increase airflow to rider

● materials :

○ Made from plastics or fiber material

■ Some plastics offer good protection from penetration but will not crush on

impact - crushes inside foam completely

■ Fiberglass crushes on impact = greater protection

● some will add kevlar or carbon fiber to reduce amount of fiber

glass - makes hamlet lighter & more protection from penetration

○ Fabric + foam interior for protection & comfort

○ Have inner ​inner ​expanded polystyrene foam (EPS)


■ Density and thickness of foam is designed to cushion or crush on impact

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