FE Analysis of Motorcycle Helmet Performance under Severe Accidents

Abstract

A helmet is essential protective equipment for the safety of motorcyclists and their passengers. However, motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries and fatalities, even when wearing helmets, because the strength of motorcycle helmets lacks head protectability in actual impact accidents. Thus, this research investigates the structural performance of commercial motorcycle helmets in Thailand for head injury prevention using finite element analysis via LS-DYNA. The helmet structural model was firstly validated under impact analysis by comparing with the test according to the TIS 369-2557 standard. The finite element results showed that the difference in maximum acceleration was only 4.8%. The protective efficacy of the helmet structure was then studied and analyzed by simulation under various velocities and impact angles according to three cases of accidents. The structural strength was investigated by assessing energy absorption, HIC, and AIS. The worst case was caused when high impact speeds and angles were applied, which showed the highest impact force and HIC. It also enabled a 100% probability of head damage according to AIS 2+, which causes fatality to passengers during impact accidents. The safest conditions in terms of head injury severity occurred when the impact angle was 45 degrees. Finally, at least 75% energy absorption of foam was further recommended for safety design to reduce head injury from motorcycle accidents.