A material simulant for replicating the impact response of playing field surfaces

Ground impact injuries are a significant mode of sports-related injuries and a particular concern for concussions caused by head-to-ground impacts. To study these injuries and develop improved technologies to reduce their likelihood and severity, a test surface must be available that replicates the dynamic mechanical response of typical playing field surfaces. In this study, a series of playing surface simulants created from stacked layers of foams and rubbers of various thicknesses and hardness values were tested under impact loading. Data are generated via ASTM F355/F1936 with a Type A cylindrical missile, implemented using a modified rail-guided test system. The results show that multi-layer stacks graded to transition from a soft impact face to a harder base layer, when subject to uniaxial impulse, produce acceleration pulse shapes, peak values, and durations comparable to a wide range of real playing surfaces. The low cost, repeatability, and facile assembly and maintenance of the playing surface simulants make them well-suited for laboratory study of ground impacts.