Page 111 - (DK) Danger! Open with Extreme Caution!

The more kinetic energy a car has, the faster
it moves and the more energy that will need
to be released on impact, creating a bigger
crash. Even a small increase in speed can
have deadly consequences.

Key sensors
in the head
help measure
the forces
impacting on
The neck can swing and swivel in the brain.
any direction to help scientists
SEAT BELTS
understand whiplash injuries.
AIR BAGS
Sensors in the chest collect
data about smashing into
the steering wheel.

SAFETy cage CRuMPLE ZONE

car design DUMMY biology
To protect the passengers in an accident, the energy Now, listen up, class. Your role as
and forces must be somehow dissipated before a crash-test dummy is a crucial one.
they reach inside the car. Crumple zones in a vehicle Engineers require your services for testing
buckle up in a crash, absorbing a lot of the energy. cars to ensure that the vehicle designs are
They are at either end of the rigid safety cage. In safe. Your sophisiticated makeup is designed
a crash, even if the car stops, your body wants to to simulate a human being’s in a crash and
keep moving ahead. Wearing a seat belt stops you is packed with sensors to collect data about
from crashing through the windshield, while air bags the impact of the crash on the body. Class
inflate to provide a soft landing for your head. dismissed, and have a safe trip home.
CRASH SCIENCE 111
(c) 2011 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.