Date of Graduation

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Hale, W. Micah

Committee Member

Fernstrom, Eric

Second Committee Member

Wood, Clinton

Abstract

Adding impact reduction to football protective headgear decreases the reactionary acceleration experienced by the cranium. Utilizing an iteration of the National Operating Committee for Standards in Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) method of testing per ASTM F429, a drop tower was fabricated, and 27 drop tests were conducted upon a standard helmet (control) and the Summerlin model helmet (test), measuring the maximum acceleration experienced by each drop. Drop tests involved variable heights and test angles with three drops being made per combination. The Summerlin model drops were conducted until failure, occurring at the third 3” drop at the “front” location at an acceleration of 12.69g. The severity of neck rotation was decreased drastically by the Summerlin model. Angular testing was conducted upon the Summerlin model by comparing it to the allowable rotation of the control helmet. The percentage of rotational restriction was noted for three planes in two directions each. The Summerlin model provides a separation of loading from the neck and head and could lead to a major breakthrough in concussion prevention in the sport of American football.

Keywords

Concussion Prevention; Football Injuries; Football Headgear

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