Making Army Helmets Tougher and Safer with Realistic Simulation

Researchers at MIT have evaluated a wide range of helmet liner designs and materials for potential use in the U.S. Army's advanced combat helmet (ACH). To measure the effectiveness of candidate materials, the investigators rely on finite-element simulations that are validated by shock tube testing at Purdue University. Of the various filler materials examined, glass beads, glycerin, and water show the most promise for blast attenuation.