Crumple zones, also known as crush zones or crash zones, are a structural safety feature used in vehicles to increase the time over which a change in velocity occurs from the impact during a collision by a controlled deformation. They are designed to absorb the impact of a collision and increase the time over which the total force from the change in momentum is applied to an occupant, as the average force applied to the occupants is inversely related to the time over which it is applied. Crumple zones are typically located in the front part of the vehicle to absorb the impact of a head-on collision, but they may be found on other parts of the vehicle as well.
In a crash, crumple zones help transfer some of the car’s kinetic energy into controlled deformation, or crumpling, at impact. This may create more vehicle damage, but the severity of personal injury likely will be reduced. Crumpling allows the vehicle to take a little longer before coming to a stop, in effect lowering the average impact force, and increasing the survival space for the belted passengers. An engineered crumple zone works best in conjunction with a rigid occupant compartment, also known as a safety cage, to minimize potential injuries.
Crumple zones are not a new concept, and they have been used in vehicles since the late 1950s. They are also being incorporated into trains and railcars.
