Communications of the ACM
3D-Printed Foam Could Boost Helmet Protection
In laboratory tests, this new design for padding outperformed more conventional technologies.
Credit: Lawrence Smith
Using AI algorithms, researchers at the University of Colorado of Boulder (UC Boulder) and Sandia National Laboratories developed a 3D-printable foam that eventually could be used in bike helmets, shipping crates, and football pads.
While traditional foams compress into hard shapes when force is applied, the AI-designed foam, featuring honeycomb networks and slight bends, exhibits controlled buckling patterns.
Compared to standard foams, the 3D-printed blocks absorb about six times more energy.
They also absorb up to 25% more energy than other foams with honeycomb designs.
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