How is conservation of momentum present in an airbag?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conservation of momentum in the context of automotive airbags. When a vehicle experiences a collision, the airbag plays a crucial role in dissipating momentum by extending the time over which the force acts on the occupant's body. This is quantified by the impulse formula, where impulse equals force multiplied by time. By increasing both the time and spatial distribution of the force, airbags significantly reduce the impact pressure on any single point of the body, thereby enhancing passenger safety during accidents.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly momentum and impulse
  • Familiarity with automotive safety mechanisms, specifically airbags
  • Knowledge of force-time relationships in collision scenarios
  • Basic grasp of how pressure distribution affects impact forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of momentum and impulse in collision dynamics
  • Explore the engineering design of airbags and their deployment mechanisms
  • Study the effects of different collision scenarios on passenger safety
  • Investigate advancements in automotive safety technologies beyond airbags
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, safety researchers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of vehicle safety systems.

Amelina Yoo
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How is conservation of momentum present in an airbag?
 
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In the same way it is present everywhere. If you want a more specific answer you must specify more accurately why you think there would be a problem.
 
Amelina Yoo said:
How is conservation of momentum present in an airbag?
I think I know what you are getting at.
When your body is brought to a halt in an accident, you need to get rid of all that momentum. The Impulse (change of momentum) needed is Force times the Time the force acts. An airbag extends the time considerably, compared with hitting the windscreen or even hitting the seatbelt. The force on your body is reduced proportionally so you may step out of the car, unhurt when the other passenger could have to be scraped off the windscreen. You both 'had' the same amount of initial momentum and end up with none.
 
sophiecentaur said:
I think I know what you are getting at.
When your body is brought to a halt in an accident, you need to get rid of all that momentum. The Impulse (change of momentum) needed is Force times the Time the force acts. An airbag extends the time considerably, compared with hitting the windscreen or even hitting the seatbelt. The force on your body is reduced proportionally so you may step out of the car, unhurt when the other passenger could have to be scraped off the windscreen. You both 'had' the same amount of initial momentum and end up with none.
In addition to extending the impulse in time, the airbag extends it in space, thus reducing the pressure at any specific point (e.g. nose on steering wheel) by increasing it at all the other points.
 

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