Request for Information for Compression Test Data on Helmets The U.S. Army PEO Solider is conducting a market survey to identify current capabilities and test results of compression testing in protective helmets. The intent of this Request for Information (RFI) is to learn about the state of technology development within the helmet manufacturing community and find test data and results or performance data related to top to bottom and side to side helmet compression, which in turn may utilize such information for future requirements. The current ACH has requirements for top to bottom and side to side compression. The current requirements for compression testing are stated in sections 3.12.11 and 3.12.12 of AR/PD 10-02 Rev A, with verification procedures in sections 4.9.14.11 and 4.9.14.12 of AR/PD 10-02 Rev A. Respondents may provide test data and results from current helmets or future helmet prototypes. Of specific interest to PEO Soldier is data and results on helmet deflection immediately after compressive load cycles and 12 to 24 hours after compressive load cycles, with a focus on helmets lighter than the current Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH). Instructions to potential respondents- Deliverables: Interested parties shall provide their final responses no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight savings Time (EDT) on Wednesday, 15 July 2015 to Kelly Doolittle at
[email protected]. PEO Soldier will conduct a preliminary review of all responses. Respondents may receive requests for clarification or feedback within 15 days of receipt of their response. All respondents regardless of size, are encouraged to respond to this RFI by submitting product literature, technical specifications, pertinent test data (specifically top to bottom compression and side to side compression), and performance comments. Proprietary information will not be disclosed outside the U.S. Government. The Government will not pay for information and materials received in response to this RFI and is in no way obligated by the information received. Inclusion in this RFI or the resulting database does not constitute Government approval for any product. If interested parties would like to mail any submitted samples or prototypes, please send to: ATTN: Shane Bederson 10170 Beach Road Building 328T Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 USA References sections from AR/PD 10-02 Rev A: 3.12.11 Compression resistance (top to bottom). The unfinished shell (no coating or edging) shall be resistant to repeated compressions in the top to bottom direction. As an option, a finished shell may be used. If a finished shell is used, then the top of the shell may be lightly sanded to remove aggregate so to obtain a good measurement. There shall be no dimensional change in excess of 0.020-inch immediately (within 5-minutes) following compressions and 0.020-inch after 24 ( 1) - hours when compared to the pretest dimension. Additionally, the shell shall exhibit no visible delamination, ply separation, distortion after the compressions. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with 4.9.14.11. 3.12.12 Compression resistance (side to side). The unfinished shell (no coating or edging) shall be resistant to repeated compressions in the side to side direction. As an option, a finished shell may be used. If a finished shell is used, then the sides of the shell may be lightly sanded to remove aggregate so to obtain a good measurement. There shall be no dimensional change in excess of 0.200-inch immediately (within 5-minutes) following compressions and 0.125-inch after 24 ( 1) - hours when compared to the pretest dimension. Additionally, the shell shall exhibit no visible delamination, ply separation, distortion after the compressions. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with 4.9.14.12. 4.9.14.11 Compression resistance (top to bottom). The finished shell without the edging or an unfinished shell shall be tested on a constant rate of extension (CRE) machine in accordance with ASTM Test Method D76 except that the machine shall be used in the compression mode as follows: Use a fixture or jig to completely support the test specimen around its periphery. The fixture or jig shall extend at least 1.0-inch beyond the edge of the finished shell on the same plane as the edge (not up the sides of the test specimen) to ensure that it is supported. Position and center the test specimen on the jig on the base platen of the machine so that the test specimen is in the as-worn position and the planes (see drawings 2-1-2515, 2-1-2516, 2-1-2517, 2-1-2518, and 2-1-2576) are parallel to the platen. While in this position, measure and record and mark the maximum height reading of the test specimen at its apex to the nearest 0.001-inch. Using a 2.50-inch diameter flat anvil, compress the shell at its vertex at the rate of 12.0-inches per minute until a compressive force of 400-pounds is reached. Release the applied force to 5.0-pounds and repeat testing for 24 additional cycles. Within 5-minutes of the completion of the last cycle, again measure and record the height dimension in the same manner as above. After a period of 24-hours ( 1 hour), again record the height dimension. One (1) shell from each size shall be tested. Failure to meet the requirements of paragraph 3.12.11 shall constitute failure of the test. 4.9.14.12 Compression resistance (side to side). The finished shell without the edging or an unfinished shell shall be tested on a constant rate of extension (CRE) machine in accordance with ASTM Test Method D76, except that the machine shall be used in the compression mode per the following. Measure, record and mark the maximum shell width dimension of the test specimen to the nearest 0.001-inch. Using a 2.50-inch diameter flat anvil position the test specimen so that the highest width dimension is aligned with the center of the top anvil. Suitable means shall be made to keep the test specimen in position so long as the means does not add to the structural rigidity of the shell. A method successful used is shown in Figure 5. Note that Figure 5 shows a finished shell - unfinished shells are permitted. Compress the test specimen at the rate of 12-inches per minute until a force of 300-pounds is reached. Release the applied force to 5.0-pound and repeat testing for 24 additional cycles. Within 5.0-minutes of the completion of the last cycle, again measure and record the height dimension in the same manner as above. After a period of 24-hours ( 1 hour), again measure and record the height dimension. One (1) shell from each size shall be tested. Failure to meet the requirements of paragraph 3.12.12 shall constitute failure of the test.