Bioengineering Considerations in the Design of Protective Headgear

Bioengineering aspects of headgear design are surveyed to illustrate the interactions and contributions of different engineering disciplines to military headgear design. Illustrations are drawn from the fields of anthropometry, human factors, heat transfer, acoustics, and applied mechanics. In addition, a helmet design procedure is described which takes into consideration such interactions. The procedure was successfully used in the design and development of a new ballistic protective infantry helmet. This methodology is equally applicable to the design of civilian head protective devices. Possible applications are pointed out.