Response of human and anthropometric model skulls to impact loading

Experimental strain/time results are presented for unprotected and protected human and anthropometric model skulls under impact loading. Using a hockey puck as the projectile, the purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of helmet suspensions and the likelihood of skull fractures with varying conditions of head protection. An experimental arrangement is described, and the strain-gauge technique yields reliable, reproducible results. Peak stresses occur above the orbit and in the temporal regions, which agrees with previous investigations. A massive, flexibly suspended helmet offers maximum protection from fracture-inducing blows, but is probably impracticable for other reasons. A limited system analysis has corroborated the experimental results.