The goal of this project was to reduce the likelihood of concussions by designing a football helmet that decreased linear acceleration of the head. The design incorporated shock-absorbent padding. A testing assembly simulated an impact force while measuring x and z accelerations of the head. Recorded accelerations were used in equations to calculate the Head Injury Criteria (HIC) and Gadd Severity Index (GSI) parameters, which are used to measure head injury probability. Results obtained from the helmet with shock-absorbent material were compared to results obtained from the helmet in its original condition. Analysis of the results indicated that exterior shock-absorbent padding was effective at reducing the likelihood of a concussion by decreasing the linear acceleration of the head.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Beisswanger, Kelly Marie
• Tavernelli, Vincent Peter
• Morgan, Glen Joseph
• Haley, Danielle Nicole

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032416-190107

Advisor

• Savilonis, Brian James

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-03-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-02-02