This paper describes the performance of a natural-fiber-based cycling helmet in an oblique impact
with a simulated road surface. The linear accelerations and impact energy of a head form weighing
4 kg were measured and calculated. Helmet standards require helmets to be tested with a simple
drop test onto an anvil. The maximum permitted deceleration of the dropped head form is typically
300g, which is equivalent to an impact velocity of 20 km/h (12.5 mph). The two helmets being
tested were suspended onto a guided drop-table in the particular desired impact orientation. Just
before impact, the test object was released from suspension so it can move unrestrained thereafter.
The main advantage of this process is that the object is free to move naturally during impact, which
provides for more realistic drop-testing. For oblique impact test, all helmets tested passed the
requirement set by EN1078:2007 with linear acceleration measured lower than 250 g in a free fall
test from 1.5 m platform. By comparing the resultant linear acceleration with a commercial cycling
helmet, Kabuto Aero SL, flax aero helmet shows 11.82% reduction in the resultant linear
acceleration with 214.16g. The Kenaf helmet recorded 168.48g, which corresponds to a 30.63%
reduction in the resultant linear acceleration compared to the Kabuto helmet and 21.33% reduction
compared to the Flax helmet