Experimental study of the deformation of a ballistic helmet impacted with pistol ammunition

Currently, ballistic helmets are mostly designed to stop fragments from diverse explosive devices. Nowadays, new requirements have emerged for helmets, such as stopping direct impacts from revolver and pistol threats. The probability of these types of impacts on helmet systems is increasing due to the changes in warfare and military operations. Although, it is possible to stop this kind of projectile, there is a lack of studies regarding the possible injuries suffered by the user due to non-perforating impacts. In this research, a comparison between the results obtained with a clay head form and a head surrogate with force sensors was done to estimate the load force on the skull during an impact. 9 × 19 mm FMJ projectiles were fired against a ballistic helmet to study the indentation and the force generated by the back face deformation against the two different head forms.