To discover what happens to a motorcycle in a variety of collisions, a model about 24 in long was constructed with a dummy figure fitted, all contained in a travelling cage moving down a sloping runway. The dimensions, velocities, etc. of the components are related by the principle of dimensional similarity so that relative motions and velocities remain as those of a full-sized machine. This enables the ultimate effect on the dummy to be photographed after the accident and from this can be built up a design for a safety motorcycle that will withstand the collisions met in practice.
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