Development of methodologies for experimental analysis of neck deformations caused by impact forces in martial arts

Abstract

Martial arts and fight sports are mostly based on exchanging the punches and kicks that often result with injuries of face, skull bones, and neck vertebrae. One of possibilities to reduce number of injuries in athletes who deal with martial arts is development of new materials and improvement of designs for helmets used in sport fights. In order to experimentally analyze impact forces and simulate conditions during different fight punches mechanical installment was made. Aramis system is used to measure the displacement fields and the distribution of deformations which occur on the neck over the entire analyzed area based on the correlation of digital images. On this manner better understanding of behavior of both materials and structures during the action of the impact forces and loading is obtained. This information can further be used in researches related to the development of helmets used in martial arts which would influence reduction of values of neck deformations in athletes.