Citation

Koestner H, Stoecker UW. Proc. IRCOBI 1988; 16: 195-213.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the Federal republic of Germany, 1232 motorized two-wheel riders were killed in 1986; 22510 suffered major and 46142 minor injuries. The share of motorcycle riders in the overall number of traffic fatalities amounted to approx 14%. All riders of motorized two-wheelers are subject to the helmet wearing law. Law observance is very good (nearly 100%). Further reduction in the accident consequences for two-wheel riders requires the improvement of the passive accident protection components on a permanent basis. The helmet as the most important passive protection element is subject to the requirements as stated in ECE r 22. The energy absorption effect of helmets is tested at an impact speed of 25 km/h (not including the secondary impact). Based on the required protection effect of the helmet, the possibilities of a mathematical analysis of energy absorption are described in this contribution. By varying the crash energy and helmet parameters such as shell thickness, density and thickness of padding, the resultant possibilities of system optimization are pointed out. It is hoped that the results of this mathematical study will make it possible to substitute a load deflection test (a test in the speed range from 15 to 35 km/h) for the punctual test (test at an impact velocity of 25 km/h). This could then become part of ECE r 22.