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Old 04-20-2011, 12:34 PM   #56 (permalink)
NeilBlanchard
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ConnClark View Post
The fact that a heavier car has more momentum means it will take longer to stop regardless of what it hits.

[snip]

FYI: Lead isn't used because it is too soft to support even itself in a large structure.
You are not correct about a heavier object necessarily taking longer to stop. An object such as a bridge abutment is essentially unmovable since it's mass is many orders of magnitude greater than any vehicle. If the struck object doesn't move, then the time it takes for the moving vehicle to come to a stop is essentially the same; no matter how heavy it is.

Same time + greater mass = much greater deceleration = much greater forces = less safe.
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