Airbag deployment: Infrared thermography and evaluation of thermal damage

The performance of airbag and its deployment are based on a fast exothermic-chemical reaction. The hot gas resulting from the chemical reaction which results in airbag deployment can cause thermal damage and skin burning for the car passenger. The thermal burns due to airbags are of two types: burns due to direct contact with the airbag surface and burns resulting from exposure to the hot gas leaving the deflation vents of the airbag. In this research, for experimental study of the burns resulting from exposure of the skin to airbag, using infrared thermography, the extent of temperature rise of the airbag surface was detected and measured from the zero moment of its inflation. Next, using Henriques equation, the extent of thermal damage caused by airbag deployment and its resulting burn degree was calculated. The results indicated that during the inflation of airbag, the maximum temperature of its surface can be 92 °C ± 2 °C. Furthermore, if the vehicle’s safety system functions within the predicted time intervals, the risk of thermal damage is virtually zero. However, if even a slight delay occurs in detachment of the passenger’s head and face off the airbag, second- and third-degree burns could develop.