In grandpa’s time automobiles were previously manufactured to be as rigid as possible, whereas autos are now designed to crumple upon impact. Why?
The change in design of automobiles from being rigid to crumple upon impact can be attributed to advancements in understanding of vehicle safety. The main reason for this change is to prioritize the safety of passengers in the event of a collision.
In the past, automobiles were constructed with rigid frames in order to provide structural stability. However, this rigid structure meant that the force of a collision was directly transferred to the occupants of the vehicle, leading to a higher risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
To mitigate these risks, modern vehicles are designed to crumple upon impact. This is achieved through the use of carefully engineered crumple zones, which are areas of the vehicle that are designed to deform upon impact and absorb the energy generated during a collision. By allowing controlled deformation, the energy from the impact is dissipated away from the passenger compartment, reducing the force exerted on the occupants and increasing the chances of survival or minimizing injuries.
To further enhance safety, modern vehicles also incorporate other features, such as seat belts, airbags, and safety systems like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. These improvements collectively contribute to reducing the impact forces on passengers and increasing occupant safety during accidents.
In summary, the shift from rigid to crumple zone designs in automobiles is a result of advancements in vehicle safety technology, aimed at reducing the severity of injuries during collisions by properly managing and absorbing impact forces.