Investigating the mechanical behavior of anti-impact airbag fabrics: a structural design approach

<i>Objectives</i>. This study introduces a cutting-edge approach to enhance safety protection through the innovative structural design of anti-impact cushion airbag fabrics, with significant implications for the clothing industry and sports safety. <i>Methods</i>. A comprehensive analysis of 36 distinct airbag structures was proposed, systematically varying chamber dimensions, spacing, initial air pressure and fabric types to optimize impact resistance. <i>Results</i>. Reduced chamber size amplifies energy absorption and dispersion, enhancing fabrics' cushioning efficiency. Increased chamber spacing correlates with decreased strain rate, suggesting enhanced structural integrity. Higher initial air pressure within airbags enhances cushioning capacity, achieving a minimum maximum strain of 93.32% at 28 kPa. Furthermore, polyvinyl chloride mesh outperforms nylon (thermoplastic polyurethane-coated) fabric in cushioning, exhibiting a thicker final thickness and faster strain rate under increasing external forces. The critical impact of chamber side length and fabric type on the mean maximum strain was pinpointed. The optimal configuration of a 20-mm chamber side length and 10-mm spacing was identified as providing the most effective cushioning performance, with maximum stress peak value differences of 2.71% at 371.0 kPa and 4.31% at 405.6 kPa. <i>Conclusion</i>. These findings lay a scientific groundwork for developing next-generation airbag fabrics and open avenues for innovative industrial applications.