Motorcycle armor is a critical component of safety gear for motorcycle riders, designed to protect against injuries from impacts and abrasions. It comes in various forms and materials, each with specific properties and benefits. Below is a comprehensive overview of motorcycle armor, covering its types, standards, benefits, and limitations.
Types of Motorcycle Armor
Foam
- Closed-cell foam: Offers better protection than open-cell foam, but both types are generally less effective compared to more advanced materials.
- Hard foam: Used in helmets and can only protect for one incident as it decomposes upon impact.
Memory Foam
- Memory foam armor: Provides higher impact absorption and rebounds slowly after compression, making it denser and more protective.
Silicone
- Gel-type impact absorbers: Available in various densities and used close to the body for comfort.
Hard Plastic
- Hard armor: Made of hard plastic to resist abrasions and punctures, usually combined with impact-absorbing foam on the inner surfaces.
Viscoelastic
- Viscoelastic materials: Soft and pliable at rest, but become rigid upon impact. Examples include RHEON, SAS-TEC, and D3O. These materials are used in various protective gear like jackets, trousers, and suits.
Standards and Testing
EN1621-1
- Covers limb joint protectors: For knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips.
- Testing method: A 5 kg mass is dropped onto the armor, and the transmitted force is measured.
- Performance levels:
- Level 1: Transmitted force less than 35 kN.
- Level 2: Transmitted force less than 20 kN.
EN1621-2
- Covers back/spine protectors: More stringent than EN1621-1.
- Performance levels:
- Level 1: Transmitted force less than 18 kN.
- Level 2: Transmitted force less than 9 kN.
EN1621-3
- Covers chest protectors: Similar testing methods as other standards but focused on chest protection.
EN1621-4
- Covers motorcycle airbags: Different standard for airbag systems.
Specifications
| Standard | Transmitted Force | Level | Body Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN1621-1 | < 35 kN | Level 1 | Elbow, Knee, Shoulder, Hip |
| EN1621-1 | < 20 kN | Level 2 | Elbow, Knee, Shoulder, Hip |
| EN1621-2 | < 18 kN | Level 1 | Back/Spine |
| EN1621-2 | < 9 kN | Level 2 | Back/Spine |
Benefits of Armor
- Abrasion resistance: Significantly reduces the risk of open wounds like abrasions, cuts, and lacerations.
- Impact protection: Offers some level of protection against fractures, though effectiveness varies by body part.
- Comfort and flexibility: Modern materials like viscoelastic compounds provide high protection with comfort and less bulk.
Limitations
- Effectiveness against fractures: Studies have shown that current armor may not significantly reduce the risk of fractures, especially in the back and spine regions.
- Quality control: High failure rates of protective clothing in crash conditions indicate a need for improved manufacturing standards.
Conclusion
Motorcycle armor is essential for rider safety, providing protection against impacts and abrasions. While advancements in materials like viscoelastic compounds have improved comfort and protection, current standards and designs still have limitations, particularly in preventing fractures. Continuous research and development are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of motorcycle armor.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Motorcycle Armor [1].
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