[Healeys] "No, they don't make them like they used to. And that's a good thing:"

[Chris Masucci]

Just a little Physics since I am a big geek.  This is one of my favorite
sites http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/HFrame.html Since these
speeds are not relativistic we can use the standard energy equation:

E = 1/2 mv^2 (one-half m v squared)

So, are two cars moving at 40MPH striking each other releasing more energy
than one car hitting a brick wall at 80MPH?  Lets assume the mass is 1500kg
(3300lbs) for all cars and that each car, on impact, stops in about
0.5meters.

For the two car crash where each is going 40MPH and they hit head on, both
cars are subjected to an impact force, to stop in a half meter, of about
(479,627 Newtons) 54 tons.

For the one car crash where the one car is going 80MPH, that the one car is
subjected to an impact force, to stop in a half meter, of about (1,918,510
Newtons) 216 tons.

Yeah...drive slower this season.

Cheers,
Chris
BJ8

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Len and/or Marge Hartnett
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 4:30 PM
To: Healey Mail List
Subject: [Healeys] "No, they don't make them like they used to. And that's a
good thing:"

Autoweek magazine, December 14, 2009:

http://tinyurl.com/y86vrwj

(The Other) Len
Vacaville, CA, USA
1967 AH 3000 MkIII, HBJ8L39031