Constructing an Alternative MIPS Football Helmet Model to Limit Rotational Acceleration from Angular Impact

Overview

This research study designed and tested an alternative prototype helmet based upon the sliding-layers concepts presented in MIPS technology. Instead of simple sliding layers, this prototype used flexible closed cell foam supports to connect the outer layer of the helmet to an inner layer that surrounds the head. It was hypothesized that this would allow the outer layer to move independently from the inner layer but still provide cushioning from linear impact and be more resilient to the repeated impacts of the football game than other MIPS models. This prototype was designed using variable widths of the supports between the two layers to vary elasticity. Then these models were tested for their ability to reduce rotational acceleration on angular impact compared to a standard football helmet.

Competition history

ISEF 2014 Energy: Physical · Entry EE086

Resources

ISEF abstract page

Related projects

ISEF · 2026

Development of a Procedural CAD Pipeline for Biometric-Based Impact Mitigation and Rotational Force Support

ISEF · 2016

lnvestigating Shear Thickening Fluid Applications to Decrease Linear and Rotational Mean Peak Acceleration as Measured by Dual Axis Accelerometers in Hockey Headgear and a Hybrid 3 Head Form

ISEF · 2017

Investigating Tuned Magneto-Rheological Reservoirs, Compression Systems, and Shear Thickening Fluids to Improve Mean Peak Acceleration as Measured by High-G Accelerometers in Hockey Headgear

ISEF · 2015

Investigating External Interventions Applied to Football Headgear to Decrease Mean Peak Acceleration as Measured by a Single Axis Accelerometer Array

Closest projects by meaning, across every fair and year in the corpus.