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Head Restraint for Race Car Drivers

Head Restraint for Race Car Drivers. Aim Jirut and Asif Lala Advised by: Dr. Jackson Roberts. Background. Fatal neurological damage to the brain ensues after many high speed frontal race car collisions. 13 out of 202-- 1998 Race Car Major Deceleration Crashes were Front Impact Collisions.

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Head Restraint for Race Car Drivers

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  1. Head Restraint for Race Car Drivers Aim Jirut and Asif Lala Advised by: Dr. Jackson Roberts

  2. Background • Fatal neurological damage to the brain ensues after many high speed frontal race car collisions. • 13 out of 202-- 1998 Race Car Major Deceleration Crashes were Front Impact Collisions.

  3. Background (cont.) • For everyday drivers, peak decelerations averaged from 40Gs to 60Gs. • For race cars, this peak deceleration maxed at 160 Gs • At Peak Decelerations of greater than 40 Gs, concussions are likely to ensue.

  4. Project Definition Design, test, and build a prototype for a head restraint system for race cars during racing conditions.

  5. Objectives • Provide an Easy Escape Mechanism • Allow for Sufficient Lateral Visual Range of Motion • Provide Sufficient Protection at Maximum Speeds. • Be Constructed of Lightweight Materials • Be Compatible at Amateur and Professional Race Car Seat Dimensions

  6. Possible Solution Models • Current restraint systems are insufficient for preventing such injuries. • Air bags • 5-Point Harnesses • Helmets • Possible Model Solutions • Crushable Steering Column • Reverse Shock Absorbing Helmet • Bungee Cord • Shock Absorbing Lanyard*

  7. Biomechanics of the Problem Parameters (Max) Weight of Head: 8.2% Body Weight = 13lbs or 5.9 kg Weight of Helmet: 3 lbs or 1.4 kg Maximum Speed of Race Car: 230mph or 103 m/s Time of Duration of Impact: 0.067s

  8. Biomechanics (cont.) F=ma (Force of Impact on Car) F= (1.4 + 5.9)kg * (103m/s) 0.067s F = 7.3 kg * 1537 m/s2 <= 157 Gs F = 11,220 N or 2,522 lbf

  9. Biomechanics (cont.) Parameters (Max) Range of Movement of Torso: 50 degrees (due to 5 point harness) Range of Movement of Neck: 60 degrees Force of Impact of Car: 11,220 N or 2,522 lbf

  10. Biomechanics (cont.) Fy=F*cos  y (Force of Torso) F= 11,220 cos (50) = 7,212 N Fy=F*cos  y (Force of Head) F= 7,212 cos (60) = 3,606 N Total force on brain = 7,212 N + 3,606 N = 10,818 N

  11. Importance F = 10,818 N From Nahum and Smith

  12. Project Idea • Shock Absorbing Lanyard Attached from Helmet to Roll Bar From http://www.elkriver.com/zorber.htm

  13. Role of the Lanyard Parameters using Lanyard (shock pack) Force Needed to Initiate Tearing = 475 lbf (x2) = 4225 N Weight of Head: 8.2% Body Weight = 13lbs or 5.9 kg Weight of Helmet: 3 lbs or 1.4 kg Maximum Speed of Race Car: 230mph or 103 m/s Time of Duration of Impact: 0.067s

  14. Force Calculation F=ma 4225 N = (1.4 + 5.9)kg * a a = 579 m/s2 Therefore, v = 579 m/s2 * 0.067 s v= 39 m/s = 87 mph

  15. Current Status • Awaiting Force Curves for Each Lanyard in order to compute amount of force decrease. • Find an Easy Escape Mechanism • Calculate proper locations for lanyard attachments.

  16. Future Work (thru April) • Order and Build Prototype

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