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How Airbags Work

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Airbag

The operation of an airbag is an extremely rapid and complex physical/chemical process, consisting of a network of impact sensors positioned at strategic points in the vehicle; an ECU that sends an electrical signal to trigger the necessary airbags, and the mechanical module itself, which contains a sodium azide tablet, the nylon bag, and the ignition system. The sequence of operation occurs in less than 100 milliseconds: impact detection (0-15 ms); decision and triggering (15-20 ms); chemical reaction (20-30 ms); inflation (30-50 ms) the airbag explodes from its housing and inflates completely at a speed exceeding 186 miles/h; protection and deflation (50-100 ms) at the moment the occupant's body contacts the airbag, it is already fully inflated, but begins to deflate immediately through the rear ventilation holes to avoid violently pushing the person away. It is all over in a tenth of a second.

Posted on 29 March 2026 by ScegliAuto

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