Airbags



Your car hits something in front, decelerating (defined) fast enough to trigger the air bag sensors. The sensors turn a switch that energizes a wire, sending electricity into a heating element in the propellant (defined), causing it to oxidize rapidly. This chemical reaction produces a gas that quickly fills the cloth air bag. As the gas expands, it cools considerably, as predicted by Charles' law (defined). As soon as the bag fully inflates, it starts deflating, cushioning the impact. In less than 1/20 of a second, the bag inflates. The below diagram shows how the above is done:

Unlike traditional airbags which inflate to one set level only, which are known as 'smart airbag' systems will be able to adapt their performance to suit different types of accidents. The new air bags will adjust to inflation size and speed according to the occupants height, weight and seating position, as well as the dynamics of the specific accident..

A passenger airbag working on the same principle is also in the pipeline. The system is unlikely to be in use until the 2001 model and will probably appear in the USA before reaching Europe.

Car	Driver air bag price	Replacement price	Passenger airbag price	Replacement price
BMW 5 series	Standard	£437	Standard	£539
Fiat Punto	Standard or £199	£312	£263	£340
Ford Escort	Standard	£346	£300	£346
Mazda 323	Standard	£439	Standard	£1066
Peugeot 306	Standard	£313	£265	£413
Renault Clio	Standard or £260	£370	£260	N/A
Rover 200	Standard	£306	£345	£306
Saab 900	Standard	£539	No cost opt	£614
Vauxhall Corsa	Standard or £315	£414	£300	£414
Vauxhall Astra	Standard	£414	£315	£414
Vauxhall Vectra	Standard	£414	£315	£414
VW Polo	Standard or £275	£436	£276	£565
Volvo s40	Standard	£460	£200	£460


	[Home] [Airbags] [MGF V BMW Z3] [Links]