01/20/2021
By Sokny Long

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, invites you to attend a dissertation proposal defense by Patrick Drane on “A Multi-Level Experimental Investigation of Energy Absorption in Helmet Systems for Repeated Low-Velocity Impact.”

Ph.D. Candidate Name: Patrick Drane
Defense Date: Friday, Jan. 29, 2021
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m. EST
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact Patrick_Drane@uml.edu and committee advisor, Murat_Inalpolat@uml.edu, at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Committee Chair (Advisor): Prof. Murat Inalpolat, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:

  • Prof. James Sherwood, Dean and Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Prof. Nese Orbey, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell 
  • Prof. Scott Stapleton, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Prof. Jennifer Gorczyca, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Southern New Hampshire University

Brief Abstract:
The modern combat helmet consists of a shell and liner system which must protect against increasing threats from ballistic, blast and blunt impacts. The proposed dissertation focuses on a multi-level experimental investigation of energy absorption in helmet systems for repeated low-velocity impact to provide design guidance for a new liner for combat helmets which can protect against these increased threats from blunt impact. Specifically, the research will study the effects of adding an impact force dispersion layer on the surface of the energy absorbing foam material to reduce localized foam compression and delay the onset of a rapid rise in acceleration. The proposed dissertation builds upon past and continuing projects collaborating with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center by examining: (1) the energy absorption of foams for repeated deformation under high strains, (2) the energy absorption mechanism of a multi-layer system, and (3) repeated impacts of a multi-layer liner component in a combat helmet system. The dissertation has contributed to the existing literature by developing a novel characterization process for cross-linked high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam, which exhibits a high energy absorption efficiency in the range of strain energy density necessary for combat helmets. The proposed future work will expand the literature by investigating a foam-facing layered component as a load dispersion mechanism to allow for greater consistency for repeated impacts and a system-level combat helmet consisting of this novel multi-layer liner. The fundamental understanding and validation of this multi-material non-linear system is critical to unlocking its potential in improving helmets and any packaging protection applications.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend the online defense via remote access.