The Mechanics of Automobile Collisions
Abstract
The damage and injury from automobile accidents is treated as a mechanical problem in mitigating the shock from collisions. General principles of energy and momentum are described and applied to the collision problem. Present work in the field of automobile safety during collisions is surveyed and possible mechanisms for dealing with excess kinetic energy during a collision are reviewed. It is recommended that passenger compartments be strong and rigid, that passengers be strapped into their seats at all times, that front bumpers of automobiles be required to interface properly with fronts, sides, and backs of all other vehicles on the road, and that front bumpers be required to absorb energy on a graudated-damage system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0743449
Entities
People
- Edward W. Clements
- Felix Rosenthal
- George J. O'hara
- Richard A. Skep
- Robert L. Bert
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory