Automobiles contain explosive devices called airbags that are required by law for safety. Airbags were invented in the 1950s in Germany and the US and were adopted by the automotive industry in the 1970s. Airbags use a chemical reaction to rapidly inflate when triggered by an impact sensor, helping to reduce injuries compared to seatbelts alone. The chemical reaction works in stages, first using sodium azide to generate nitrogen gas, then using potassium nitrate and sodium to generate more gas and form an alkaline silicate powder.

1. When Automobiles
Go KaBoom!
Rahul Iyer, ASQ-CQE, CC
Sergeant-At-Arms, Maverick Toastmasters Mesa / Gilbert AZ, USA
Project 2: Resources For Informing
Manual: Speaking To Inform
13 October 2015

2. Automotive Explosives

Automobiles have explosive devices on
them

They are utilized for safety (passive
restraint system)

Every automobile in the USA is required
to have them by law

3. History of the Automotive
Airbag

German and American Invention

Walter Linderer, Germany; November 12, 1953

John Hetrick, US Navy, USA; August 18, 1953

Further development by the Japanese in the
1960s

Adopted by automotive industry in the 1970s

US Federal requirement for cars produced after 1
April 1989 (original regulation issued in 1984)

Also applied in other industries

4. Injury Reduction by Airbags+Safety
Belts vs Safety Belts Alone
From:
The Chemistry Behind Airbags
Rachel Casiday and Regina Frey
Department of Chemistry
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri

5. Airbag Design & Chemistry
Gas-
Generator
Reaction
Reactant
s
Products
Initial
Reaction
Triggered
by Sensor
NaN3
Na
N2 (g)
Second
Reaction
Na
KNO3
K2
O
Na2
O
N2 (g)
Final
Reaction
K2
O
Na2
O
SiO2
alkaline
silicate
(glass)

6. Conclusion

Definition of an Automotive Explosive
/ Airbag

History of the Airbag With Effectiveness
Regarding Safety

Design and Technical Aspects of Airbags

7. Conclusion

Definition of an Automotive Explosive
/ Airbag

History of the Airbag With Effectiveness
Regarding Safety

Design and Technical Aspects of Airbags