Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas for barrier designs for my project. My project is about my favorite sport NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) and the barrier designs for the tracks to prevent damage and injuries from the current Safer Barrier. Now if someone could help me think of some designs and materials for my testing it would be appreciated. Thank you.


P.S. I have already tested gel as a possibility.

Hi,

I have no suggestions of safer barrier materials but I did survey current practices in barrier systems, which might be of interest to you for your background research. Here is a survey done by Australia on raod safety barriers:

http://www.rsconference.com/pdf/RS020054.PDF?check=1

Here is a summary of commonly used types in the US:

http://www.jjhooks.com/barrier.shtml

Here is a race track system:

http://www.tecpro.us/f1/english/advantages.php

This describes honeycomb sandwich materials for crashboxes on vehicles:

http://www.fisita.com/students/congress ... 8sc016.pdf

Here is a barrier design that absorbs impact energy with a hydralic ram:

http://books.google.com/books?id=rgdof2 ... pes&f=true

Here are surveys of commonly used concrete barriers:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/pu ... ncrete.cfm

http://www.americanheritage.com/article ... 1_26.shtml

I got the impression that most research on new systems is focused on steel rope barriers that give or stretch a little when impacted.

Have fun with your project!

Best regards,

Barrett L Tomlinson