Innovative impact materials and engineered structures: injury prevention research in ice hockey helmets

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The objective of this research is to develop a more effective energy management system for ice hockey helmets designed to decrease the risk of concussion during direct head impacts. This project is designed to develop unique testing protocols to obtain performance data describing innovative energy absorbing technologies. This project will provide the manufacturer with unique information supporting innovation in head protection for hockey helmets. The proposed research will consist of the following: 1) measuring the quasi-static loading characteristics of existing energy management materials used in current ice hockey headgear; 2) measuring the dynamic loading characteristics of existing energy management materials used in current ice hockey headgear using a free drop impact apparatus; 3) measure the functional loading characteristics of existing ice hockey headgear using a centric and non-centric impact protocol and a finite element brain model; 4) test new engineered energy absorbing structures adapted for use in ice hockey headgear using quasi-static, dynamic, functional loading conditions in addition to existing headgear certification test protocols (CSA). The present research is designed to develop test protocols to measure the quasi static, dynamic and functional characteristics specific to evaluate the risk of concussions for materials and technologies used in ice hockey helmets. This research will provide the manufacturer with unique and valuable information to support their innovations in the ice hockey helmet technology.