PROBLEM STATEMENT

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The current Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) is 15 years old and with the development of more advanced material this heavier design would become obsolete. Combining Kevlar and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) could allow for a drastically lighter helmet while maintaining or even improving impact and overall strength. The ideal ratio of the Kevlar and UHMWPE will be found through a series of mechanical tests. Tensile stress, shear modulus, and Young’s modulus will be determined. The testing parameters for the controlled samples will be compared to the parameters for the Kevlar and UHMWPE composites. The aim is determine an ideal composite and improve the overall design of the modern Advanced Combat Helmet.