Studying Friction for HANS® Device Function 2006-01-3632

The HANS® head and neck support is worn by auto racing drivers to help protect their head and neck if they should crash. The device is held in place around the drivers neck by the same racing harness used to restrain the driver in their seat. If there should be a forward impact the driver's helmet is held back by the HANS®. The forces that keep the HANS® in place are the normal forces and the frictional forces between the HANS® and the harness. The objective of this study was to maximize the frictional forces between the HANS® and the harness. We designed and built a rotary drum friction measuring machine that simulated the forces with friction wear products. We tested 4 harness webbing products and 6 types of friction material. The test setup and assumptions are discussed. Test results are presented, analysis methodology is explained and recommendations are made.