Vehicle accident reconstruction methods based on deformation energy are argued to be an increasingly valuable tool to the accident reconstructionist, provided reliable data, reasonable analysis techniques, and sound engineering judgement accompany their use. The evolution of the CRASH model of vehicle structural response and its corresponding stiffness coefficients are reviewed. It is concluded that the deformation energy for an accident vehicle can be estimated using the CRASH model provided that test data specific to the accident vehicle is utilized. Published stiffness coefficients for vehicle size categories are generally not appropriate. For the purpose of estimating vehicle deformation energy, a straight-forward methodology is presented which consists of applying the results of staged crash tests. The process of translating crush profiles to estimates of vehicle deformation energies and velocities is also discussed. This study is considered a first step in an effort to more completely understand and model the energy absorption processes of vehicle structures in real world crashes.
Citation: Strother, C., Woolley, R., James, M., and Warner, C., "Crush Energy in Accident Reconstruction," SAE Technical Paper 860371, 1986, https://doi.org/10.4271/860371. Download Citation
Author(s):
Charles E. Strother, Ronald L. Woolley, Michael B. James, Charles Y. Warner
Affiliated:
Collision Safety Engineering, Inc.
Pages: 18
Event:
SAE International Congress and Exposition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
Passenger Comfort, Convenience and Safety-Test Tools and Procedures-P-174, SAE Transactions 1986-V95-86
Related Topics:
Accident reconstruction
Impact tests
Scale models
Crashes
Technical review
Reliability
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