Orbital ATK cracks the Takata air bag mystery

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Source: WTOP

By Jeff Clabaugh | @wtopclabaugh
February 24, 2016 12:16 pm

WASHINGTON — Dulles, Virginia-based Orbital ATK, which makes rocket propulsion systems, has determined the cause of the exploding Takata air bags blamed for at least 10 deaths and 139 injuries worldwide. ... The culprit is a combination of the propulsion chemical used, high humidity and moisture.

Orbital was hired by The Independent Testing Coalition, a partnership of 10 automakers, to determine the cause of the air bag defects a year ago.

Specifically, the Orbital ATK team determined the factors contributing to the air bag ruptures are the following:
•The presence of pressed phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant that does not contain a moisture-absorbing component;
•Long term exposure to high temperatures;
•Air bag assembly that does not adequately prevent moisture intrusion in high humidity.

The results apply to the vast majority of the 28 million Takata air bags recalled by the U.S. government. Those recalls affect 12 auto manufacturers to date. ... “Orbital ATK’s root cause analysis is backed by 20,000 hours of testing and analysis by experienced engineers, scientists and technicians,” said Bob Wardle, senior director of technology programs in Orbital ATK’s propulsion Systems Division.

Read more: http://wtop.com/money/2016/02/orbital-atk-cracks-the-takata-airbag-mystery/

[PatrynXX]

1. why do the uppers always design something

without humidity in mind. X_X have several buildings that require Low Humidity to run right. But they didn't think to put in an a/c because it's Iowa. , it's dry right

[Bigmack]

2. Did Takata design and build the F-35...?

That fucker can't fly without cool fuel, can't fly in the rain, etc, etc, etc.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

3. Or people think all hot places cool down at night. Because they are thinking of deserts.

No, they don't. If the humidity is high, the temperature does not go down at night.

I grew up in Houston without central air, and completely inadequate window units. I stayed up late reading Michener novels many times because the temp was 85 or 90, 100% humidity. I couldn't sleep at all.

I've noticed that Oklahoma is dry enough that it cools off at night. But Texas, even in Dallas, nope.