http://www.hotwired.com/Coin/Spnsrs/Volvo/Safety/energy.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)
Front Side Members
The Volvo 850 has additional front members to provide even more front-impact protection. Two front side members, one at wheel height and the other slightly higher, are designed to absorb and redirect the impact of an "offset" collision. The upper member transmits impact force to the A-pillars at the front of the doors and into the roof and door surrounds. The lower member directs the impact downward into the floor plan and door sills. A high-strength steel cross member inside the aluminum front bumper connects the left and right lower front side members so that even the side member not involved in the impact will help absorb will help absorb crash energy. In a severe crash, the lower members are also designed to help force the rear of the front wheels outward and away from the passenger compartment.
850 Engine Placement
In the 850, the weight and bracing of the transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drivetrain add protection by helping to absorb the crash energy of front-end impacts. Transverse mounting also increases the "crush space" between the engine and passenger safety cage. The transverse engine itself presents its wide profile toward front-end collisions, which helps to distribute crash impact over a broader area.
Engine & Drivetrain
In the 900 Series, the drivetrain provides additional front-to-rear
stiffness. In a more serious crash, the drivetrain is constructed to buckle and help direct the engine backward and downward under the passenger safety cage floor.
Hood
The hood of a Volvo is solidly built and designed with predetermined "bend points" to buckle upward as part of the energy absorbing structures. Also important to Volvo's safety-conscious hood design are the hinges that help keep the hood anchored securely at the rear.
Steering Column
Volvo installs a three-stage, energy-absorbing system into the steering
column. At the first stage of serious front-end impact, a slip coupling disengages to allow the steering wheel to collapse away from the driver. As impact force increases, a plastic rivet will break at the second predetermined stage of pressure so the steering column can telescope down into a bellows-like sleeve. At the third stage, the lower end of the column will fold like a jackknife to help direct the steering column downward away from the driver.
Steering Wheel
The air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is intended to inflate in certain moderate to severe frontal/front-angular collisions. The Volvo steering wheel is also designed to absorb crash energy by deforming and aligning itself with the driver's body to spread the impact force over a wider area.
Fuel Tank Location
The entire fuel tank is located in its own "safety zone." Positioned close to the rear axle, the fuel tank is separated completely from both the passenger compartment and the trunk floor. Volvo engineers have created a whole set of safety systems to help protect the fuel tank-systems designed to help provide protection in all types of serious crash impacts: rear, side, even rollover. Steel impact members are part of the overall design of every Volvo to help provide protection for the fuel tank in the event of a collision. These energy-absorbing structures help cushion the fuel tank against the forces of a rear-end crash.
Fuel Tank Components
The filler hose is fastened to the car body and the fuel tank with rubber fittings in a system designed to allow the filler hose to flex with impact-even pull away from the body without sparks if a serious crash occurs. Inside the filler hose, a safety valve is designed to help prevent fuel from escaping should the filler hose pull loose from its fittings. The filler pipe is made of strong aluminum. An extra protecting plate is positioned behind the fuel tank A heat shield is located on the exhaust-pipe side of the tank.
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