Rollever
06-03-2002, 02:45 PM
#5
Think low thoughts
06-03-2002, 02:55 PM
#6
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it seems that the roll bars are set at the same height as the headrest on the s2k. how can that help shouldnt they be at least a few inches higher up or do they pop up like a mercedes when the car senses a rollover?
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06-03-2002, 09:28 PM
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The purpose of the roll bars isn't to keep your head from striking the ground, it's to keep the full weight of the car from crushing you into a pulp. Even if you have several inches of clearance, hitting the top of the car hard in a rollover *will* result in your head striking the ground. First, the windshield frame and the roll bars will compress a bit (this same principal is why regular roof cars usually aren't better in a rollover, however our system is less likely to compress a lot like you see on some regular cars). Second, the seatbelt is designed to hold you in place, however it will give a little as your body is suddenly stopped by them when the car's top hits the ground. These combined can probably make up for several inches of clearance.
Your head *will* hit the ground if you land square, it probably doesn't make much difference if your head protrudes above the roll bars a bit. Same thing will happen if you roll a regular car. Unless a car has a really strong overhead support system and you have a lot of space (more than a couple inches), your head *will* strike the roof if your vehicle rolls over and hits hard. In both metal top and in the S2000, the only way to really help the head-banging aspect is to wear a helmet (gee, I wonder why some tracks require helmets to be worn by drivers, even for non-ragtop cars ...)
The main difference between a hardtop vehicle and a softop like ours is that you'll get some sideways motion while your head is in contact. Admittedly, thin metal (like most car roofs) isn't much better, but your head should fare a little better, from a friction standpoint, with a metal top.
Either way, your chances for survival are much greater if you have the car's 2800lbs being supported by the roll bars and windshield frame vs your head
I shudder everytime I see a Miata and think about what would happen if that car flipped ...
Your head *will* hit the ground if you land square, it probably doesn't make much difference if your head protrudes above the roll bars a bit. Same thing will happen if you roll a regular car. Unless a car has a really strong overhead support system and you have a lot of space (more than a couple inches), your head *will* strike the roof if your vehicle rolls over and hits hard. In both metal top and in the S2000, the only way to really help the head-banging aspect is to wear a helmet (gee, I wonder why some tracks require helmets to be worn by drivers, even for non-ragtop cars ...)
The main difference between a hardtop vehicle and a softop like ours is that you'll get some sideways motion while your head is in contact. Admittedly, thin metal (like most car roofs) isn't much better, but your head should fare a little better, from a friction standpoint, with a metal top.
Either way, your chances for survival are much greater if you have the car's 2800lbs being supported by the roll bars and windshield frame vs your head
I shudder everytime I see a Miata and think about what would happen if that car flipped ...