Exploring Position Specific Helmet Technology by Incorporating Biomimicry and Its Effec ts on the Reduction and Possible Elimination of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
JSHS · 2020
Overview
Cathy Boucvalt John Curtis Christian School The purpose of this research was to determine the possibility of reducing g-Force and acceleration of frontal impacts in a football player’s position specific helmet design in an attempt to reduce the occurrence of concussions and long-term brain damage - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Biomimicry, in the form of an Experimental Facemask + Linear Dampers, was utilized to mimic the action of a woodpecker's beak to, potentially, dissipate the energy of impact before being transferred to the head. Hypothesis: By incorporating biomimicry, in the form of linear dampers, into position specific football helmet designs, acceleration of human brains, during impacts, can be significantly reduced. Independent Variables: - Original Facemask (Control) - Exp. Facemask + 5lb. Linear dampers - Exp. Facemask + 15lb. Linear dampers Dependent Variables: - g-Force-----------N/kg - Acceleration---m/sec Data was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD. Both experimental designs resulted in significant (p <.01) reductions in g-Force and acceleration compared to the Control. Also, 15 lb. dampers significantly (p <.01) outperformed 5 lb. dampers. Further testing will be performed using dampers larger than 15 lbs. Also, multidirectional dampers will be used to allow the face mask to articulate while preventing it from being used a lever. Thus, reducing axial rotation when the facemask is impacted from the side. Since results showed significant (p <.01) reductions in g-Force and acceleration for each experimental design, this suggests that the experimental designs have potential to reduce the incidence of concussions and the cumulative effect of repetitive impacts - A leading cause of CTE.
Awards (1)
- 2nd Place Engineering & Technology
Competition history
- JSHS 2020
Resources
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