Crash Test Dummy facts for kids
A crash test dummy is a special test device. It's often called an ATD, which stands for "Anthropomorphic Test Device." These dummies are built to be just like a human body in shape, size, weight, and how they move. They have special sensors inside that measure how much force is applied and how fast the dummy moves during a test. Crash test dummies are used for many things, but mostly in pretend car crashes. They help engineers and car makers check how safe cars are for people.
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What Are Crash Test Dummies?
Crash test dummies are not real people. They are scientific tools. They look like humans because they need to act like humans in a crash. This helps scientists understand how a real person would be affected. The dummies have joints that bend like ours. They also have a skeleton and soft parts that act like our muscles and skin.
Why Do We Use Dummies?
The main reason we use crash test dummies is to make cars safer. Before these dummies, car companies had to guess how safe their cars were. Now, they can use dummies to test new car designs. This helps them find problems and fix them. It also helps them test new safety features. These features include things like airbags and seatbelts. By using dummies, car makers can save many lives. They can also prevent serious injuries.
How Dummies Work
Inside a crash test dummy, there are many sensors. These sensors are like tiny computers. They record lots of information during a crash test. For example, they measure:
- How fast the dummy moves.
- How much force hits different parts of its body.
- How much pressure is put on its chest or head.
- How much the dummy bends or twists.
After the test, engineers look at this data. They use it to understand what happens to a person's body in a crash. This helps them design better cars. They can make parts stronger or add more padding. They can also improve how airbags work.
Different Types of Dummies
There are many kinds of crash test dummies. Each one is made for a special purpose:
- Adult Dummies: These are the most common. They come in different sizes, like a small woman or a large man. This helps test cars for all kinds of drivers and passengers.
- Child Dummies: These dummies are smaller. They are made to be like children of different ages. This helps test car seats and how safe cars are for young passengers.
- Special Dummies: Some dummies are made for very specific tests. For example, there are dummies for side impacts or for crashes with pedestrians.
History of Crash Test Dummies
The idea of using dummies for safety tests started a long time ago. In the 1930s, scientists used human bodies for crash tests. This was not ideal for many reasons. Then, in the 1940s, they started using real people in some tests. But this was very dangerous.
The first real crash test dummies were developed in the 1950s. They were very basic at first. Over the years, they became much more advanced. Today's dummies are very complex. They can give engineers a lot of detailed information. This helps make our cars safer than ever before.
