Category EMNC P14 Investigating Tuned Magneto-Rheological Reservoirs,

Compression Systems, and S

Abstract The prevention of concussion and sub concussive injury in helmeted

activities are of great military, commercial, legal, and medical interest. A

Summation of Tests for the Analysis of concussion Risk, is defined by

mapping actual on ice impact data to pendulum-modulated impact

conditions at different energy angles, locations, and accelerations. As

defined by Virginia Tech STAR equation ∑(L=1)^4

∑(θ=1)^3 [E(L,θ) x R(a,α)]. Linear(a) and

rotational(α) acceleration are the only potentially modifiable risks

in this equation. For this experiment, a four meter pendulum was closely

replicated so interventions can be mapped back to actual player

impact data. This year a multitude of protective systems were designed

to potentially improve helmet safety. Interventions for this year include a

threaded, compression spring design, and tuned magnetorheological

systems along with the following Shear Thickening Fluids interventions

(1) Calcium Carbonate/Water, (2) Fumed Silica/Polyethylene Glycol, (3)

Colloidal Silica/ Polyethylene Glycol, and (4) Polyethylene

Glycol(comparator). Helmet constructs were tested for their potential to

decrease mean peak linear and rotational acceleration. The internal or

external location of Shear Thickening Fluids were explored and

confirmed to be an important factor in mitigating mean peak

acceleration. When compared to the neat(control) helmets,

interventions engineered in this experiment including shear thickening

fluids, spring systems, and magnetorheological reservoir designs all

significantly out perform (p<.01) a neat helmet. These findings point to

a likelihood of a reduced concussion risk as a function of linear(a) and

rotational(&#945;) head acceleration values, when using these

interventions.

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A prospective study of physician-observed concussions during junior
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