What gas is used in car airbags?
2 Answers
Car airbags use nitrogen gas. Here are the relevant details: Components of the airbag system: The airbag system mainly consists of sensors, a microprocessor, a gas generator, and the airbag itself. Working principle of the airbag system: Sensors and the microprocessor are used to determine the severity of a collision, transmit and send signals; the gas generator produces an ignition action based on the signal, igniting solid fuel to generate gas that inflates the airbag, causing it to expand rapidly. Function of the airbag system: When a collision occurs while the car is in motion, the airbag sensor first receives the impact signal. If the impact reaches a specified intensity, the sensor activates and sends a signal to the electronic controller. Upon receiving the signal, the electronic controller compares it with its stored data. If the conditions for airbag deployment are met, the drive circuit sends a start signal to the gas generator in the airbag module. The gas generator, upon receiving the signal, ignites the gas-generating agent, producing a large volume of gas. After filtration and cooling, the gas enters the airbag, causing it to break through the padding and deploy rapidly within an extremely short time. This forms an elastic cushion in front of the driver or passengers, which then deflates and contracts in time to absorb the impact energy, effectively protecting the head and chest from or reducing the severity of injuries.
I've always found car airbags quite fascinating, mainly because they use nitrogen gas. Do you know why? Because nitrogen is safe and reliable, capable of rapidly expanding to cushion the impact during a collision, and it doesn't burn or explode, preventing additional harm. The principle behind it involves chemical substances like sodium azide decomposing at high temperatures to release nitrogen gas, a process that takes just milliseconds—about as fast as a blink of an eye. This design was finalized decades ago, and now almost all cars, like Toyota and Volkswagen, follow this standard. I've also looked into why helium or oxygen isn't used—it's primarily because inert gases are more stable, ensuring passenger safety. As a car enthusiast, I recommend regularly checking the airbag system to prevent it from becoming just a decoration. In short, understanding this small detail can deepen our trust in vehicle safety, and next time a friend asks, I'll have some practical knowledge to share.
