Motorcyclist helmet composite outer shell characterisation and modelling

In this study a new finite element model of composite outer shell of motorcyclist helmet is proposed, by modelling each layer of the composite material that builds the laminated structure of the outer shell of the helmet. Elastic and rupture properties of the laminate are taken into account for developing the finite element (FE) model and are extracted experimentally. A coupled experimental–numerical method combined with experimental modal analysis on beam samples is used to obtain the elastic characteristics of each layer of the outer shell. The rupture properties for each layer are extracted by experimental impact tests. The FE model of the outer shell is then validated with experimental data for elastic and rupture behaviour.

Research highlights
► Composite materials remain complex to characterise and model.
► Capability of identifying a maximum of parameters with a minimum of tests.
► Elastic and rupture characterisation of laminates based on experimental tests.
► Validation of a finite element model of composite helmet outer shell.