Ballistic Impact Analysis of Combat Helmet on a Human Head Surrogate Using 3D-DIC

Abstract

With the widespread use of combat helmets, behind helmet blunt trauma (BHBT) has emerged as a serious injury type experienced by soldiers. In the current study, a synchronous test system was constructed to study the pistol bullet penetrating into combat helmet covered human head surrogate. The 3D digital image correlation (DIC) method was used to directly measure the characteristics of the dynamic front face deformation at impact area of helmet. The shape and size of the front face deformation time histories, deformation velocity, and line slices profile on helmet surface were obtained. The pressure sensor was mounted in the center of the head surrogate and was buried in the clay. The time histories of the impact pressure of the two sets of tests were captured. These results could then be used to develop new combat helmet.