Physics and Automobile Collisions

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From the literature accompanying the disc:
"The videodisc 'Physics and Automobile Collisions' is composed of high speed films which were taken to study various aspects of automobile collisions and safety. Because the original researchers wished to obtain measurements similar to those of a physics lab student, the automobile and sometimes the surroundings are marked so that length can be determined. Most of the films were taken with high speed cameras, thus the projected image is frequently from 20 to 40 times slower than real time."

A brief summary of the contents of each chapter is included with the disc. Much of this material would be quite effective in a lecture setting. The disc was produced in 1984.
Chapter Chapter time
1 39 sec Introduction
2 2:02 Air Bags and Impulse
3 2:29 Applying Newton's Laws - Seat Belts
4 1:30 Collision Time and Car Damage
5 0:35 Bumpers and Energy Transfer
6 1:30 High Speed Car Barrier Collision
7 5:30 High Speed Car Barrier Collision 2
8 2:30 Two Car Collision at 90 Degrees
9 3:18 Two Car Collision at 60 Degrees
10 3:09 Models of Automobile Collision - 1 Dimension
11 1:00 Models of Automobile Collision - 2 Dimensions

Disclaimer: All demonstrations are posted for the convenience and benefit of faculty and staff in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University and are not intended for outside use. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for the use of information contained on this site. Warnings and precautionary measures listed on this site assume normal operation of equipment and are not inclusive. Demonstrations may pose a significant hazard and can, in some instances, result in death; reasonable safety precautions must be taken. Demonstrations should be performed by qualified individuals only.

Prepared by Jeff Rudd, 1999
Revised by Laura Schmidt, 2007

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