INVESTIGATION OF BALLISTIC RESPONSE OF THE NIJ HEADFORM WEARING COMBAT HELMET

Abstract

The historical significance of protecting the human head in battles, wars, and military operations is evident, with helmets playing a crucial role in saving lives and reducing injuries. Advances in ammunition have driven continuous improvements in helmet design for enhanced protection. The design process involves testing helmets on human head models using various headforms to assess their effectiveness against bullet impact. In this study, NIJ (National Institute of Justice) headform with infilled Roma Plastilina No.1 clay wearing Advanced Combat Helmet is tested using the LS-DYNA software. NIJ headform and Clay parts are modelled in the SolidWorks software and then meshed in Hypermesh. Meshed models are imported in the LS-Dyna software and required modifications and assembly is done. Material properties are assigned to the NIJ Headform and clay parts which were taken from literature. Clay properties are validated according to the NIJ standard 0106.01 which shows good agreement with the standards. Kevlar 129 material properties are taken from literature although calibration was required. Calibration was done by doing simulations by modifying the strength parameters of the Kevlar 129 material. These properties were assigned to the outer shell Advanced Combat Helmet in the LS-Dyna. Simulations were done and results are analyzed. The simulations results match the experimental findings.