Development of numerical model for ballistic resistance evaluation of combat helmet and experimental validation

Abstract Modern designing process of combat helmets requires both numerical modeling and experimental validation in order to achieve exigent requirements combining impact resistance and reasonable weight. In this work a finite element model of a combat helmet is presented. Mechanical behaviour of the shell aramid composite under impact conditions was analyzed from experimental Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) and Full-Metal Jacketed (FMJ) impact tests on aramid flat plates. Numerical modeling based on finite elements method was used to simulate both impacts in simple plates of the composite and also the simulation of ballistic impact involving real ammunition and the complex geometry of the helmet including inner foam. Experimental work involving impact tests on composite plates and also ballistic test on the helmet with a dummy provided real data for comparison with models predictions and proved the accuracy of the numerical models developed.