Impact absorption research led to airbags and safer cars.
Researchers are constantly investigating new materials for the absorption of impact forces. This has direct real-world applications. Automakers, for example, developed air bags to absorb the force of collision impact. Motorcycle helmets, football helmets and bullet-proof vests are all the direct result of such research. Research starts out as projects. You can develop your own projects that enable you to test the impact absorption of various materials. If these projects are done by children, adult guidance is always recommended.
Egg Drop Experiment
To test various materials for impact absorption, do this experiment: Roll an egg off a counter, onto a hard floor. Write your findings in a notebook. Next, roll another egg onto a pillow, and record your findings. Try a variety of materials, each time rolling an egg off the counter onto it. Layer different materials together, such as bubble wrap and carpet padding. Layered materials are called laminates. In your report, state what conclusions can be drawn from each type of material used. Also report on how your laminates performed in preventing the egg from cracking.
Plastic Deformation Experiments
Not all materials spring back after being impacted. For example, researchers study how steel deforms after being hit with a projectile. When a material bends after being impacted, it is called a plastic deformation. You can do your own plastic deformation experiment: Cut pieces of 6 inches x 6 inches corrugated cardboard. Place one piece on the floor, and roll a golf ball onto it from a countertop. Photograph the dent. Next, place two stacked pieces on the floor, and repeat the experiment. Photograph each piece. Repeat the experiment with four pieces, then five. Repeat the experiment until the very bottom piece does not show any deformation. Each time, photograph all the pieces. Report on your findings, and explain how each piece absorbs impact force by deforming. Furthermore, report on the layered pieces, and how each piece absorbed the impact force, until there was no force left.
Impact Crater Formation
Geology and engineering combine when researchers investigate impact craters. For example, scientists at the University Space Research Association make small impact craters in rocks and investigate the results. You can do the same. Make a box out of corrugated cardboard 1 foot x 1 foot and 2 inches thick. Fill the box halfway with play-box sand. Place the box under a counter, and roll a golf ball into the sand. Carefully remove the golf ball, and photograph the results in the sand. Shake the box to re-level the sand. Use different objects, such as small rocks, and repeat the experiment. Vary the experiment by dropping large quantities of pebbles on the sand, and carefully removing them. In your report state the conclusions on how impact craters are formed. Compare your craters with photographs of impact craters on the moon.
Tags: impact craters, after being, each piece, golf ball, your findings
