Investigation of a Two-Stage Airbag Module with Azide-Free Gas Generators

摘要

Airbags are used as a standard equipment of cars to strongly increase the safety of drivers and passengers on acidents. Recent developments include azide-free formulations of the gas generator and 'smart' airbag combustion modules which enable a variable gas output. Guanidium azotetrazolate (GZT) is investigated as a fuel and Cu(NO_3)_2.2Cu(OH)_2 as an oxidizer and the resulting azide-free for-mulation produces a gas output of about 5001/kg. The use of V_6Mo_15O_60, as a catalyst reduces the amount of harmful gases below aceptd limits. Various grains were produced, ignited in closed vessels, and the burning rates measured. The investigations of a two-stage module with igniter units consisting of two squibs and boosters showed a sroad variety of pressure-times curves achievable by time delayed initiation. A simulation by a simplified model could even demonstrate the possibility to compensate the temperature dependency of the combustion by a delayed ignition. In static deplooyment and sled tests the prototye airbag module fulfilled the requirements.