Using FFF and topology optimisation to increase crushing strength in equestrian helmets

Soe, Shwe; Robinson, Michael; Gaisin, Khaled; Adams, Rhosslyn; Palkowski, Tony; Theobald, Peter

Abstract

International standards ensure that equestrian helmets achieve high performance. Recently, one such standard (PAS 015) was revised to include a lateral deformation requirement, ensuring helmets can withstand the potential crushing forces associated with equestrian. This increased performance needs to be achieved against a minimal mass penalty, which is an important consumer consideration. This paper explores how shell design optimisation can improve crush resistance, validated using additive manufacturing and mechanical testing. This approach achieved a 73% increase in crush force, for only an 11% mass increase.

Citation

Soe, S., Robinson, M., Gaisin, K., Adams, R., Palkowski, T., & Theobald, P. (2021). Using FFF and topology optimisation to increase crushing strength in equestrian helmets. In S. Scholz, R. Howlett, & R. Setchi (Eds.), Sustainable Design and Manufacturing 2020. , (369-377). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8131-1_33

• Conference Name: 7th International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing (KES-SDM 2020)
• Acceptance Date: Sep 11, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 11, 2020
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Oct 12, 2020
• Pages: 369-377
• Series Title: Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies
• Series Number: SIST, volume 200
• Book Title: Sustainable Design and Manufacturing 2020
• ISBN: 9789811581304
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8131-1_33
• Keywords: Crush strength, Topology optimisation, Additive manufacture
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6699044
• Additional Information: First Online: 11 September 2020