When an object is in motion it carries a certain momentum. Technically, momentum is the product of the speed and physical mass (weight) of the object. Whenever the motion of such moving object is altered, the momentum also changes. Since momentum is the product of speed and mass, and mass remains constant, the change in momentum is higher than that of speed. Hence, more abrupt these alterations, the betters mechanisms you require to maneuver effectively.
While undergoing such change in momentum, variations or abrupt levels of intermediate changes, which is the rate of change, and the phenomena itself can take the object off course and launch it as a projectile on a different course! Hence one needs to ensure uniform progression in the rate of reduction (change) and avoid trajectory changes due to abrupt change in momentum.
And to handle these changes in momentum we have ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution). The former controls the rate of change while the later maintains the intended path of motion. But why are we discussing this!
Imagine the momentum of all human activities on an usual day.
The onset of COVID19, also known as corona virus pandemic, compelled the largest economies to shut shops at short notice. Without mechanisms like ABS and EBD, how can an administration apply brakes to all economic activities across a country. On a closer look at the lockdown events, in some cases we did find mechanisms similar to that deployed in braking a car.
Shutdown began subtly with closure of academic establishments. The braking rate progressed with a 24 hour curfew over the weekend. Further, as any geometric progression, it took the first noticeable jump with sunset to sunrise curfew, followed by the big jump with closure of private establishments. Disaster management professionals may have noticed it, despite nothing to panic for an average citizen, as the harbinger to the grand finale – lockdown.
But what seems to be a trade-off for keeping the suspense under the rugs, to avoid subsequent panic, the administration forgot about a major concern – migrant population!
In a rare possibility, an EBD – Electronic Brake Force Distribution can over-ride the ABS – Anti Lock Braking System, by distributing brake force, to maintain course and stability, in a manner that ends up locking one or more brakes. In order to maintain passenger safety, it is critical to maintain stability and prevent over turning rather than anything else.
In pandemic situation, controlling the spread of the virus is most critical and requires elimination of all undesired behavior at various levels.
When you panic brake to an abrupt stop, at most instances you will forget to clutch and end up in a dead stop with no power. And such was the case of the economy with no logistical power. Moreover, abrupt changes in momentum cause high G-forces that distort your senses. Hence the immediate move is to regain senses, assess position and then power up, not to continue but to move aside.
In the lockdown situation, this would equate to limited resumption of logistical services. But when abrupt braking locks one or more brakes, acquiring even small amount of momentum requires far more power. And such was the situation with lockdown, although logistical services were resumed, the panic had surged demand to levels demanding efforts far greater than feasible.
Just as you move your car aside to wait till you regain your senses and visibility, as staying safe is of utmost importance, it may be in your best interest to shut off of the engine and stay still. Since the utmost priority had been to slow the spread of virus, present in an unknown number of carriers, the best option was to put an immediate stop.
Getting the momentum to zero!
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*Disclaimer: Only an analogy to explain framework in layman terms, inferences drawn from available information and should not be construed as criticism or appreciation for any party in any form.
Feature Image Photo by Peter Zhurakhovsky on Unsplash
Savvy Munshi 