Introduction: Concussions in American Football are of a major concern due to highly reported injury rates. The importance of properly designed helmets have shown effect in reducing the risk of injuries, such as skull fractures. However, they are not as effective in reducing the risk of concussion. Helmets designed are required to pass standards and regulations for them to be allowed within the football leagues. The current test methods evaluate linear impacts, but lack evaluations of oblique impacts which are believed to cause concussions. Several test methods have been suggested, but little is known regarding how they compare. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare three different test methods for evaluating helmet performance, utilizing finite element simulation. Three different helmet models were used for comparison, evaluating head kinematics. The helmet models were additionally ranked from best to worst based on their performances. Method: Three test methods, linear impactor, 45° angled linear impactor, and a drop test onto a 45° angled plate were simulated with three different open source helmet models. Simulations were conducted with one impact velocity at three impact locations. The influence of the interaction between helmet and head was also evaluated by altering the friction coefficient. Results: The test methods showed different results depending on helmet models, impact locations, and kinematics evaluated. Similarly, rankings of the helmets were varied based on methods and impact location. Little difference was observed after lowering the friction coefficient in majority of cases. The linear and angular acceleration for the drop side impact were mostly affected. Conclusion: Further evaluations of the test methods and comparison to real impacts is required to evaluate what method resembles head impacts best. Lowered friction coefficient had an effect for the drop impacts, but minor effect for other test methods

Recent applications of medical imaging, advanced polymers, and composites have led to the development of new equipment for athletes and soldiers. A desire to understand the performance of headgear that resists impacts ongoing since the 1970’s has found more traction in recent years with the usage experimental models that have a greater degree of bio-fidelity. In order to determine which features of helmets from different sports (Soccer, Lacrosse, Football, and Hockey) were tested on a Hybrid III 50th Percentile Male headform with an accelerometer rig at the center of mass.Testing was performed by administering impacts to the headform with an impulse hammer that provides transient force data in order to quantify inputs and outputs of the system to develop a non-dimensional transfer function. Helmet performance is compared by sport worn in order to determine desirable manufacturing features and develop prototype helmets that outperforms current athletic equipment.