Images Dated 16th June 2003

LM of micromechanical accelerometers

Micromechanic accelerometer. Light micrograph of micromechanical accelerometers used in car airbags. Each one has a set of interlocking teeth (such as at centre) which can move relative to one ano- ther. They contain inductors, devices which gener- ate an electric current in response to a change in the magnetic field. During a high acceleration or deceleration, the teeth move towards each other, causing a change in the magnetic field. The signal from the inductors is then amplified to activate a system which inflates the air-bag. This device has been manufactured, using the same techniques used to make silicon chips, for Daimler-Benz in Germany. Magnification: x100 at 6x9cm size

© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Sodium chloride crystals

Cut and polished diamond. Diamond is a naturally occurring form of carbon that has crystallised under great pressure. Pure crystals are colourless and transparent, and can be polished to sparkle in the light. Diamond is the hardest known mineral. Poorer quality specimens are used in industry, mainly as cutting and grinding tools

© LAWRENCE LAWRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Indy Racing League: Kenny Brack Team Rahal gets passed by Dario Franchitti Andretti Green Racing

Kenny Brack (SWE) Team Rahal gets passed by Dario Franchitti (GBR) Andretti Green Racing.
Honda Indy 225, Pikes Peak Intl. Raceway, Colorado Springs, USA, 15 June, 2003.
DIGITAL IMAGE

© Sutton Motorsport Images