MODELING OF SCHUBERTH HELMET UNDER BALLISTIC IMPACT FOR HEAD INJURY ASSESSMENT

A finite element model is developed to simulate the ballistic performance of the Schuberth helmet under 9x19 mm FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullet impact. The Schuberth helmet is a poly-aramid composite helmet, manufactured by Schuberth, formerly used by the Belgian Army as personal protection equipment. The model is validated on the basis of experimental data obtained during tests carried out within the Department of Weapon Systems and Ballistics (ABAL) of the Royal military Academy (RMA) using helmets of the same size at four different locations (front, left and right and crown). The metrics used for the model validation are the maximum Back Face Deflection (BFD) and the deflection time curves corresponding to the helmet back face dynamics. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique is used for this purpose. Results show good agreement between numerical and experimental data. The validated model is then applied to simulate ballistic impacts on the Schuberth helmet mounted on an in-house head finite element head model to further investigate the risk of Behind Helmet Blunt Trauma.