 Motivation

 Automotive safety – Classification

 Airbags Introduction

 Airbags – Classification

 How airbags work

force-deployment, post-deployment

 Final words
 40% of fatalities are due to automotive crashes.

 Introduction of restraint systems in automotives has

resulted in significant reduction of fatalities in accidents.

 Airbags are important restraint systems in automotives.

Airbags act in conjunction to other restraints systems like

seat belts to protect the occupants in automotives.
Airbags are balloon shaped …

 First invented by ?

First fixed in ? commercial car

 What triggers an airbag? (Sensors)

Airbag inflator

 Chemistry behind airbags

Airbag gases (new technology –inert gases)

Airbag material

Airbag vents (Pressure controlled)

When the frontal airbags are to deploy, a signal is sent
to the inflator unit within the airbag control unit.

An igniter starts a rapid chemical reaction generating

primarily nitrogen gas(N2) to fill the airbag.

Some airbags technologies use compressed nitrogen or

argon gas with a pyrotechnic operated valve.
When sensors fire! Temperature reaches 150-200 °c
chemical capsules form in gases with in 0.008 seconds.

An igniter starts a rapid chemical reaction generating

nitrogen gas (N₂).

Incomplete combustion of sodium azide produce of

Carbon monoxide and nitrogen(II)oxide as by-products.
Compressed nitrogen

Argon gas with hybrid gas generator

Highly toxic sodium azide

Driver side airbag would contain about 50 grams

of sodium azide.

Passenger side container holds about 200 grams of

sodium azide.

Inert gasses.
Airbags material nylon fabric bag.

After deploy airbag gas escape through small vent holes.

These systems use multi-stage inflators that deploy less
force fully in stages in moderate crashes.

Occupant sensing devices(mass/weight of the persons).

ACU determine whether airbags should be suppressed or

deployed.
Once an airbag deploys, deflating begins immediately as the
gas through vents.

Dust consists of cornstarch,french chalk, or talcum powder,

which are used to lubricate the airbag during deployment.

Chemicals can cause miner irritation to the eyes and or open

wounds, some times irritate throat and eyes.

In some cases death causes.

Newer design –harmless talcum powders/cornstarch and N₂.

Fist generation airbags.

Second generation airbags.

Third generation airbags(sensing and gas generator

technology reduce injury risk facter).
 Please buy cars with airbags !

 Always wear seat belts !

 Always Drive Safely ! It is always better to be Mr.

Late than Late Mr. !!!