Concussion question regarding PSI for football helmets

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tmh556
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Psi
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on estimating the psi (pounds per square inch) exerted on football helmets that correlate with concussion-causing g-forces, specifically between 70 to 120 g. It is established that at 120 g, the pressure exerted is approximately 274 kPa, derived from a head mass of 7 kg and a cross-sectional area of 0.03 square meters. The conversation highlights the importance of impulse in understanding impacts and suggests that the acceleration of the entire body, not just the head, contributes to the overall force experienced during impacts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with pressure calculations, specifically in kPa and psi.
  • Knowledge of concussion mechanics and the role of g-forces in sports safety.
  • Basic understanding of helmet design and materials used in impact absorption.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between g-forces and concussion risk in contact sports.
  • Explore advanced calculations for impulse and pressure in impact scenarios.
  • Investigate materials and technologies used in modern football helmet design.
  • Learn about the biomechanics of head injuries and the effects of body acceleration during impacts.
USEFUL FOR

Sports engineers, safety equipment designers, coaches, and anyone involved in the study of sports-related concussions and helmet safety standards.

tmh556
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi, I have a bit of a random question which is a little apples to oranges. I saw that concussions on the human brain are caused at roughly 70 to 120 g forces as measured from sensors placed on a football helmet:

https://www.google.com/search?q=bar...nt=gws-wiz#kpvalbx=_tn49Y8j2J76jz7sP8d2o8AU_4 My question is...is there a way to figure out the psi (pounds per square inch) on the helmet that causes this 70 to 120 gs. Is there a way to infer this or roughly estimate this number? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Tom
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No.
 
Reply
  • Haha
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: tade and fresh_42
Usually when we get impact questions we are stymied by not knowing the acceleration. Here we have it, so I don't see why it can't be answered. If the head is 7 kg and has a cross sectional area of 0.03 sq meters, at 120g the pressure is 274 kPa.
 
russ_watters said:
Usually when we get impact questions we are stymied by not knowing the acceleration. Here we have it, so I don't see why it can't be answered. If the head is 7 kg and has a cross sectional area of 0.03 sq meters, at 120g the pressure is 274 kPa.
I would suspect the issue is with the remainder of the body attached to the head (hopefully :-p ). It is going to accelerate and rotate from the force along with the head. That should increase the force for a given “head” acceleration.

 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters