Risk-Ed - Examples

Safety in Steel

Most cars are made from steel bodies. This is an excellent material as it is strong but can also deform in an accident. That sounds a little odd but it is better that the metal bends and gives under an impact. This gradually absorbs the energy of the crash and helps to stop these forces from injuring occupants or pedestrians.

The aim is to keep the passenger safety cell intact in an accident. Roll the mouse over the diagram to see how this is achieved or click for a text description.

Ultra Light Steel

Manufacturers are continually looking to develop new materials to improve car performance and safety. One example is the Ultra Light Steel Automotive Body (ULSAB) consortium.
Click for more information on the ULSAB project.

diagram: passenger safety in a car Image adapted from ULSAB.

Cross beams help protect passenger compartment in a side impact.

Front crumple zone collapses in an impact. This absorbs the energy.
In severe impacts the engine is pushed under the passenger safety cell and the steering column collapses.

Doors are reinforced with heavy-duty steel braces add protectin in impact.

Rear crumple zone absorbs energy in an impact. The boot deforms to redirect energy away from the petrol tank to prevent it rupturing.

Door hinges and locks remain closed in impact but can be opened to allow escape.
Strong chasis and roof supports transit energy away from passenger cell.

Car body deforms but passenger safety cell remains intact.