PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT HAVING FRANGIBLE ENERGY ABSORBING ELEMENTS

Embodiments include a protective helmet comprising a protective shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A padding layer is affixed to the interior surface. The padding layer comprises a compliant material and a frangible material, such as glass foam. At least the frangible material is enclosed in a container. A detection circuit detects compromise of the frangible material, and outputs an indicator in the event the compromise is detected. The detection circuit may include a frangible wire configured to break in the event the frangible material is compromised. The indicator may include an LED, and/or radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency signal may include an identifier for the helmet. The padding layer may comprise a plurality of pads each containing compliant material and frangible material. The plurality of pads may include one or more fasteners for releaseably affixing the pads to the interior surface of the protective shell.