Finite element analysis-based study on integrating Kevlar-based honeycomb panels for enhanced impact energy attenuation capability in cricket helmets

• Impact attenuation performance of existing cricket helmets. • FEA study of Kevlar-based honeycomb sandwich panels for cricket helmets. • Impact attenuation performance of Kevlar-based honeycomb sandwich panels. The motivation for this research stems from the increasing need to enhance safety and comfort when wearing cricket helmets under high-energy impact scenarios. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the potential of employing Kevlar-based honeycomb sandwich panels as a liner in cricket helmets to improve impact energy attenuation capability. This paper presents an FEA-based impact analysis conducted using ANSYS LS-DYNA. The analysis was performed under a ball impact speed of 44 m/s. The effects of varying the Kevlar layer thickness and the honeycomb thickness were systematically analysed. The results demonstrate a 27% reduction in peak head acceleration, from 413 g in conventional helmets to 301 g in helmets incorporating sandwich panels. These findings highlight the potential of Kevlar-based composite structures to enhance the energy attenuation capability of cricket helmets, thereby providing improved protection for cricketers against head injuries.