Unmasking Hollywood's Illusion of Car Destruction Scenes
In the world of cinema, car explosions are a common spectacle, often adding a thrilling element to high-speed chases and crashes. However, the reality of car explosions is far from the dramatic portrayals on the big screen.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that cars do not explode under normal crash circumstances. The misconception arises from carefully designed special effects and practical effects used in filmmaking.
Liquid fuel, such as diesel or petrol, can catch fire in the presence of air, but it cannot explode because it's not under pressure and is in its liquid phase. For an explosion to occur, three conditions must be met: the presence of a fuel, air, and a small amount of energy, typically in the form of a spark or flame.
Filmmakers employ a variety of techniques to create the illusion of car explosions. Practical effects include small controlled charges, squibs (small explosive devices), and pyrotechnics built inside car shells. These controlled blasts are safe on set and result in convincing explosions. Dummy car parts are also used, made of materials that break and fly apart convincingly, sometimes packed with debris or lightweight materials that mimic an explosion's debris field.
High-speed filming and strategic camera placement further enhance the dramatic effect. Some explosions are filmed in slow motion with specialized high frame rate cameras to heighten the impact.
The latest instalment in the "Fast & Furious" franchise, titled "Fast X," is scheduled for release on May 19, 2023. While the movie promises high-octane action, it's important to remember that the car explosions depicted are the result of intricate special effects artistry rather than true destructive blasts.
In real-life incidents, fuel and diesel can only explode when under pressure, mixed with air, and have a small amount of energy added. For example, at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, racing driver Romain Grosjean's vehicle caught fire but did not explode after a high-speed crash.
It's also worth noting that diesel engines use a higher boiling point fuel which spontaneously combusts under pressure, requiring no spark plugs. This contributes to their longer lifespan and greater fuel economy compared to fuel engines, which cycle at a higher rate.
Understanding the science behind fuel ignition and car explosions provides a fascinating insight into the world of filmmaking and automotive engineering. As Professor Hal Sosabowski, a professor of public understanding of science at the University of Brighton, explains, "The portrayal of car explosions in movies is a testament to the creativity and technical prowess of filmmakers, but it's important to remember that these scenes are carefully crafted illusions rather than real-life occurrences."
References:
[1] Cronenberg, D. (Director). (1981). Scanners [Film]. USA: New World Pictures.
[3] Nolan, C. (Director). (2010). Inception [Film]. USA: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Science offers a deeper look at the misrepresentation of car explosions in films, whereas health-and-wellness highlights the difference between the cinematic portrayal and real-life incidents like Romain Grosjean's Bahrain Grand Prix crash. Technology plays an integral role in creating such illusions, as evident in filmmakers' reliance on special effects artistry for high-octane action movies like Fast X. Meanwhile, entertainment engrosses audiences with these dramatic explosions on the big screen, all while general news brings attention to the facts, dispelling the mirage of car explosions under normal circumstances.
