Structural and Functional Analysis of the Automobile Frontal Two-Stage Airbag Modules

The paper presents experimental study results of the automobile frontal two-stage driver and passenger airbags operation. Based on the modern highly informative tools of experimental physics of fast processes, an experimental method for determining kinematic parameters of the automobile air bag operation dynamics was developed and implemented. Detailed cinegrams of the process of container front panels opening, air bag unfolding and dropping for the case of the driver’s airbag module response in time were prepared and presented. Actuating devices, i.e., the pyrotechnic solid propellant gas generators, were instrumentally decompositioned, structural arrangements of all components and parts, their functional purpose and design features were determined. Using the reverse engineering methods including direct measurement and process analysis, 3D models of gas generators and air bag two-stage modules were developed. Results of the study are an important and necessary component in creating scientific, technical and experimental bases to design, develop and produce high-tech systems for the internal passive automobile safety