3D helmet model
The helmet project was to look at what is required for a helmet to be safe and to design a helmet that fulfills these requirements. We had to write a report on what made it safe a long with a paper and a 3D model.
What is needed/ What makes my helmet safe
Head injuries cause 75% of the annual bicycle deaths so helmets are a necessity. When it comes to safety my helmet will be made out of crushable expanded polystyrene which is considered the standard and safest. This foam isn’t soft and when crushed doesn't reform so when a major accident happens the foam crumbles. The foam is able to go through a large amount of force until it hits its crumple zone. This will require the owner to repurchase a new helmet but it’s best for the rider. The foam is uncomfortable and doesn't fit the wearers head in a way that it’ll stay secure. This then requires the soft foam inside the helmet. This is called the expanded polypropylene. It is able to contrast and reform the fit the user's head. The final material needed for the helmet is the shell. The outer shell needs to be light, durable, waterproof, and relatively cheap. That’s why plastic is the best option it fills all of these requirements. Plastic also is able to go through a lot of friction when sliding across cement because it doesn't all break but will slowly shed layers. Besides materials, my helmet fulfills safety requirements because it has enough foam around all sides to sustain major impacts along with having no points of weakness.