Best material to minimize Impulse?

In summary, the student is seeking material recommendations to minimize impulse in a situation where a car is placed at the top of a ramp with a tracker measuring force upon impact with a wall. The student is not allowed to use foam or sponge and is seeking alternative suggestions. The relevant equations are p = mv and J = Ft, and the goal is to minimize impulse (J) and maximize time (t).
  • #1
mhz
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Homework Statement


Basically I want to know what material (That I could easily access) would be great to minimize impulse in the following situation:

A car is placed at the top of a ramp with some angle less than 45 degrees and at its front there is a tracker that measures the amount of force put into the car once it runs into the wall. I can add some material/compound to the front with the dimension 10x15x15 cm where 10 is the dimension in line with the length of the car.

(Foam is not allowed)

Homework Equations



p = mv
J = Ft

The Attempt at a Solution



Obviously I know that I need to minimize J (impulse) and maximize t (time), and I've thought of a few materials but I'm looking for any that you may have come across in your life that could help.
 
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  • #2
What do you mean by foam? Could you use sponge?
 
  • #3
Sorry, forgot to mention, I'm also not allowed to use a sponge lol.

All I was told was "no foam or sponges".
 

Related to Best material to minimize Impulse?

1. What is impulse and why is it important to minimize?

Impulse is the product of force and time, and it describes the change in momentum of an object. It is important to minimize impulse because it can cause damage to objects or living organisms, and it can also lead to injury or death in high-velocity situations.

2. What properties should the best material have to minimize impulse?

The best material to minimize impulse should have high strength, stiffness, and toughness. It should also have the ability to absorb and dissipate energy efficiently.

3. Are there any materials that are known to be effective in minimizing impulse?

Yes, there are several materials that have been proven to be effective in minimizing impulse. Some examples include Kevlar, carbon fiber, and high-strength metals such as titanium and steel.

4. Is there a universal "best" material for minimizing impulse?

No, there is no one universal "best" material for minimizing impulse. The most effective material will depend on the specific application and the type of force being applied.

5. How can scientists test and compare materials for their ability to minimize impulse?

Scientists can use various mechanical tests such as tensile, compression, and impact tests to measure the strength and energy absorption capabilities of different materials. They can also use computer simulations and modeling to predict how a material will perform under different conditions.

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