Calculating the difference in force between crumple zone cars and bull bar car

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the force exerted on a pedestrian by a car with a bull bar or crumple zone, with known variables such as the car's speed, pedestrian's weight and width, and the crumple zone's size. The calculations show that the impact time and force are different for a car with a bull bar and one with crumple zones due to the time it takes for the crumple zone to cave in. The conversation also mentions the use of the pedestrian's width in the calculations, based on the concept that the person is being accelerated to the same speed of the car in the time it takes for the car to travel the distance of the pedestrian's body. Additionally, a source
  • #1
Noobert
6
0
I want to calculate the difference in force between a car with a bull bar an a car with crumple zones hitting a pedestrian.
Assume that when the car with bull bar collides with pedestrian, the transfer of velocity is completely transferred

Known variables:
Cars speed: 60kmph ; (16.67 m/s)
Weight of pedestrian: 60kg
Width of pedestrian: 20cm ; (0.2m)
Crumple Zone: crumples 10cm ; (0.1m)

Attempt at Solution

(Bull Bar)
t=d/v
t=0.2/16.67
t=0.012 sec

a=vf-vi /t
a=16.67/0.012
a=1389 m/s

f=ma
f=60*1389
f=83340(N)
This shows that it takes 0.012 seconds for the impact on the pedestrian to be completed, in which time the pedestrian accelerates at 1389 meters per second, which would exert a force of 83340 Newtons.

(Crumple Zone)
t=d/v
t=0.2+0.1/16.67
t=0.018 sec

a=vf-vi /t
a=16.67/0.018
a=926 m/s

f=ma
f=60*926
f=55560(N)
This shows that it takes 0.018 seconds for the impact on the pedestrian + the time for the crumple zone to cave, in which time the pedestrian accelerates at 926 meters per second, which would exert a force of 55560 Newtons.

Would this be correct for calculating the force exerted on a pedestrian when being hit by a bull bar or crumple zone car?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Noobert said:
I want to calculate the difference in force between a car with a bull bar an a car with crumple zones hitting a pedestrian.
Assume that when the car with bull bar collides with pedestrian, the transfer of velocity is completely transferred

Known variables:
Cars speed: 60kmph ; (16.67 m/s)
Weight of pedestrian: 60kg
Width of pedestrian: 20cm ; (0.2m)
Crumple Zone: crumples 10cm ; (0.1m)

Attempt at Solution

(Bull Bar)
t=d/v
t=0.2/16.67
t=0.012 sec

a=vf-vi /t
a=16.67/0.012
a=1389 m/s

f=ma
f=60*1389
f=83340(N)
This shows that it takes 0.012 seconds for the impact on the pedestrian to be completed, in which time the pedestrian accelerates at 1389 meters per second, which would exert a force of 83340 Newtons.

(Crumple Zone)
t=d/v
t=0.2+0.1/16.67
t=0.018 sec

a=vf-vi /t
a=16.67/0.018
a=926 m/s

f=ma
f=60*926
f=55560(N)
This shows that it takes 0.018 seconds for the impact on the pedestrian + the time for the crumple zone to cave, in which time the pedestrian accelerates at 926 meters per second, which would exert a force of 55560 Newtons.

Would this be correct for calculating the force exerted on a pedestrian when being hit by a bull bar or crumple zone car?

I don't understand what you mean by the width of the pedestrian, and your use of it.
 
  • #3
Width of pedestrian as in measurement from their back to their stomach. Used in the t=d/v equation, to find the time it takes for the car to travel the distance of the pedestrian's body; (width). This is because the person is being accelerated to the same speed of the car in the time it takes for the car to travel the distance of the pedestrians body.
 
  • #4
Noobert said:
Width of pedestrian as in measurement from their back to their stomach. Used in the t=d/v equation, to find the time it takes for the car to travel the distance of the pedestrian's body; (width). This is because the person is being accelerated to the same speed of the car in the time it takes for the car to travel the distance of the pedestrians body.

Who told you "This is because the person is being accelerated to the same speed of the car in the time it takes for the car to travel the distance of the pedestrians body" ?

The first part of their body to be struck will almost instantly take on the speed of the car/bull-bar - like an insect hitting a windscreen.
 
  • #5
please help me calculate hydrostatic load strength of mild steel plain sheet 4.5mm 4'x8', mild steel flat bar 2"x 3/16", mild steel pipe 1" diameter sched 80. submerged into 4 feet depth seawater with density of 1.025 mt/m3.
 
  • #6
Here is where i found the stuff on the width or thickness of a persons body affecting the acceleration and force on a pedestrian...

Impact on a pedestrian

"Because the pedestrian, Sam, is so much lighter than the car, he has little effect upon its speed. The car, however, very rapidly increases Sam's speed from zero to the impact speed of the vehicle. The time taken for this is about the time it takes for the car to travel a distance equal to Sam's thickness – about 20 centimetres"

Source:http://www.science.org.au/nova/058/058key.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to Calculating the difference in force between crumple zone cars and bull bar car

1. What is a crumple zone car and a bull bar car?

A crumple zone car is a type of vehicle that is designed to absorb the impact of a collision by having a section of the car that crumples upon impact. A bull bar car is a vehicle that has a metal bar attached to the front of the car for protection.

2. How does the difference in force affect the safety of the passengers in the cars?

The difference in force between a crumple zone car and a bull bar car can greatly impact the safety of passengers in the event of a collision. Crumple zone cars are designed to absorb the force of impact, reducing the force that is transferred to the passengers. On the other hand, bull bar cars do not have this same level of protection and passengers may experience a higher force of impact.

3. How is the force difference calculated between these two types of cars?

The force difference between crumple zone cars and bull bar cars can be calculated by comparing the amount of energy absorbed by the crumple zone in a crash versus the energy transferred to the passengers in a bull bar car. This can be measured using various scientific methods and calculations.

4. Are there any regulations or standards for the design of crumple zones and bull bars?

Yes, there are regulations and standards in place for the design of crumple zones and bull bars. In most countries, vehicles must meet specific safety standards set by government agencies. These standards often include regulations for the design and functionality of crumple zones and bull bars to ensure the safety of passengers.

5. Can the force difference between these two types of cars be reduced?

Yes, the force difference between crumple zone cars and bull bar cars can be reduced by implementing safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, and reinforced structures in the car. Additionally, following safety regulations and standards in the design and manufacturing of vehicles can also help to reduce the force difference and improve overall passenger safety.

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