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.
“Although the investigation was complicated by the numerous Takata air bag inflater designs used in many different automobiles, the various inflaters and platforms still yielded root cause.”
The Independent Testing Coalition calls Orbital’s results a first step in its investigation into Takata’s defective air bags. It will now focus on air bags that are being used as replacement parts for current recalls.
Check whether your vehicle is included in the current Takata air bag recall.
