Activities for the Wireless Dynamics Sensor System - Vernier ...

Activities for the Wireless Dynamics Sensor SystemInvestigating Collisions with CrumpleZonesThe design of modern railway cars such as that shown in Figure 1 incorporates a series ofcrush or crumple zones so that, in the event of a collision, much of the train’s kineticenergy is transferred through deformation. Such zones reduce the accelerations and forceson both the train and its passengers and also make it less likely a derailment will occur.Current safety regulations for new train cars state that the crumple zones in each carriagemust absorb at least 3MJ of energy. A modern car equipped with a crumple zone, andhitting a wall at 55 km/hr, only absorbs about 0.1 MJ through deformation of this zone.Figure 1 – Virgin Rail Class 390 Pendolinotrain going through RugbyFigure 2 – Energy absorbingcrumplingCrumple zones in train cars is just one example of innovations designed to keeppassengers safe in the event of a collision. Other examples include seat belts and air bagsparticularly for use in automobiles. In this activity, you will investigate accelerationsduring collisions with and without crumple zones.OBJECTIVESIn this activity, you will• simulate collisions with and without crumple zones.• simulate collisions with differing quantities of crumple zones.• investigate the effectiveness of a crumple zone.© 2007 - Vernier Software & Technology 39