Helmet Specifications

Both UHMWPE and Kevlar have been proven to exhibit properties that would lend themselves to being a smart choice in construction of combat protection. 

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When designing UHMWPE-Kevlar composite to be used in the HUK helmet, it should compare to that of the current material used in protective military gear, Kevlar. It was determined that there are several properties that must be determined to find out whether or not the composite material we fabricate will stop a bullet. In the table above, the tensile strength is that of the fiber used in the current Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) currently used in the military. The minimum energy absorption is that of a 7.62x39mm cartridge shot from an AK-47. This was chosen to be the standard because the AK-47 is the most common rifle used on the fronts where military personnel are currently deployed. From these properties, a minimum required thickness for that of Kevlar can be calculated using the equations found in the engineering tab.

 

For the composite material we are producing, the properties should be greater than the ones in the specification table below. Additionally, the composite material should also be lighter than that of Kevlar so that the wearers of helmets made from this material are more comfortable, while also maintaining better protection.