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This paper analyzes motorcycle braking characteristics during stops at various speeds on a dry, asphalt surface with and without the use of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). To characterize the braking performance of the motorcycle, threshold brake stops were performed on a motorcycle of the superbike category at various speed increments. Motorcycle and brake system outputs consisting of brake pressures, wheel speeds, accelerations and yaw rates were measured and analyzed to highlight the different characteristics between a motorcycle with an integrated anti-lock brake system and multiple anti-lock brake system rider modes. Three different brake input strategies were used to brake the motorcycle; a front only brake application, a front and rear brake application, and a rear only brake application. The anti-lock brake system rider modes consist of a sport setting, a race setting and a setting that deactivates the anti-lock brake system.

In the field of accident reconstruction, it is often important to measure the deformation of a vehicle (i.e. automobile, truck, motorcycle, etc.) after a crash has occurred. This data can be used for many purposes including energy calculations for speed loss, measuring roof or other structural deformation, analyzing seat or seat belt component positions, frame or unitized body structure deformation, and for estimating the actual post crash condition of a vehicle prior to the damage inflicted by the cutting and spreading tools used by emergency personnel. Traditionally, vehicle damage was measured using plumb bobs and tape measures or laser transits. However, these methods are not only time consuming but they also require a significant amount of upfront analysis to determine which points on the vehicle to measure at the inspection. In recent years, newer methods such as photogrammetry software and three dimensional scanners have come into play.

This paper presents a detailed analysis and reconstruction of a real-world, high-speed yaw and rollover of a sport utility vehicle that occurred on paved and unpaved surfaces with uneven topography. A law enforcement videotape of the crash, along with detailed inspection and measurement of the subject vehicle and accident site, enabled quantitative analysis of the event. The physical evidence was correlated with video images of the real-world rollover to obtain detailed information of the rollover mechanics throughout the sequence. The initial speed of the vehicle was 79 mph and its speed at overturn was 54 mph. The vehicle rolled six revolutions. The average roll rate for the entire sequence was more than 300 degrees/second, with peak values approaching 540 degrees/second. The rollover deceleration was found to be non-uniform during the sequence, and ranged from approximately 0.6 g to 0.2 g.

One of the principal tools used by the accident reconstructionist to determine whether a vehicle occupant was properly restrained when an accident occurred is the examination and analysis of impact evidence and damage to interior structures of the vehicle. Careful analysis of such evidence not only assists in the determination of restraint usage, but can also provide insight into the pre-impact position of the occupant. However, the multi-faceted restraint systems and advanced materials used in modern vehicles can make the interpretation of vehicle interior damage difficult. This is especially true for impacts of mild or moderate severity, when interior damage may or may not be expected to occur, and the lack of any identifiable damage can be misinterpreted. In this paper, the restraint system damage resulting from a series of sled tests conducted at a range of mild to moderate impact severities with a normally positioned driver under various restraint conditions is discussed.