How Protective is Your Helmet?

Summary

Areas of Science

Sports Science
Human Biology & Health
Mechanical Engineering

Difficulty

Method

Scientific Method

Time Required

Short (2-5 days)

Cost

Very Low (under $20)

Safety

No issues

Credits

Renee Sample, PhD, Science Buddies

Science Buddies is committed to creating content authored by scientists and educators. Learn more about our process and how we use AI.

Image Credit: KeithJJ / Pixabay Content License

Abstract

Every time you hop on your bike or gear up for football or baseball practice, your helmet is your first line of defense. Whether you’re coasting downhill or tackling on the gridiron, impacts happen — and they can cause more than just bumps and bruises. Scientists tell us that forceful hits to the head can lead to concussions or even more serious brain injury over time. Correct helmet design, proper fit, and good cushioning all help reduce those risks. 

For example, bicycling is one of the sports most associated with traumatic brain injuries in the U.S., and studies show that wearing helmets can lower the chance of serious head injury by around 48-53%. In football, recent helmet designs using liquid shock absorbers have been shown in lab tests to reduce impact forces on the brain by about a third when compared to many traditional helmets.

In this project, you can perform a drop-test on different helmet samples to see how well various padding, liner materials or outer layers protect a fragile “brain” (for example a water balloon or accelerometer that measures deceleration) from impact. By measuring the height from which the helmet lets the object inside survive (or how damaged it is after the drop), you’ll explore the biomechanics of impact absorption. This helps us understand how helmet materials work to reduce force, protect the skull, and ultimately keep the brain safer during sports like biking and football.

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Global Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

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