Mathematical Methods for Accident Reconstruction


Book Description

Over the past 25 years, Harold and Darren Franck have investigated hundreds of accidents involving vehicles of almost every shape, size, and type imaginable. In Mathematical Methods for Accident Reconstruction: A Forensic Engineering Perspective, these seasoned experts demonstrate the application of mathematics to modeling accident reconstructions




Automotive Accident Reconstruction


Book Description

Automotive Accident Reconstruction: Practices and Principles introduces techniques for gathering information and interpreting evidence, and presents computer-based tools for analyzing crashes. This book provides theory, information and data sources, techniques of investigation, an interpretation of physical evidence, and practical tips for beginners. It also works as an ongoing reference for experienced reconstructionists. The book emphasizes three things: the theoretical foundation, the presentation of data sources, and the computer programs and spread sheets used to apply both theory and collected data in the reconstruction of actual crashes. It discusses the specific requirements of reconstructing rollover crashes, offers background in structural mechanics, and describes how structural mechanics and impact mechanics are applied to automobiles that crash. The text explores the treatment of crush energy when vehicles collide with each other and with fixed objects. It delves into various classes of crashes, and simulation models. The framework of the book starts backward in time, beginning with the analysis of post-crash vehicle motions that occurred without driver control. Applies time-reverse methods, in a detailed and rigorous way, to vehicle run-out trajectories, utilizing the available physical evidence Walks the reader through a collection of digital crash test data from public sources, with detailed instructions on how to process and filter the information Shows the reader how to build spread sheets detailing calculations involving crush energy and vehicle post-crash trajectory characteristics Contains a comprehensive treatment of crush energy This text can also serve as a resource for industry professionals, particularly with regard to the underlying physics.




Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction


Book Description

Accident reconstruction utilizes principles of physics and empirical data to analyze the physical, electronic, video, audio, and testimonial evidence from a crash, to determine how and why the crash occurred, how the crash could have been avoided, or to determine whose description of the crash is most accurate. This process draws together aspects of mathematics, physics, engineering, materials science, human factors, and psychology, and combines analytical models with empirical test data. Different types of crashes produce different types of evidence and call for different analysis methods. Still, the basic philosophical approach of the reconstructionist is the same from crash type to crash type, as are the physical principles that are brought to bear on the analysis. This book covers a basic approach to accident reconstruction, including the underlying physical principles that are used, then details how this approach and the principles are applied when reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction presents a thorough, systematic, and scientific overview of the available methods for reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This new edition contains: Additional theoretical models, examples, case studies, and test data. An updated bibliography incorporating the newest studies in the field. Expanded coverage of the braking capabilities of motorcyclists. Updated, refined, and expanded discussion of the decelerations of motorcycles sliding on the ground. A thoroughly rewritten and expanded discussion of motorcycle impacts with passenger vehicles. Updated coefficients of restitution for collisions between motorcycles and cars. A new and expanded discussion of using passenger car EDR data in motorcycle accident reconstruction. A new section covering recently published research on post-collision frozen speedometer readings on motorcycles. A new section on motorcycle interactions with potholes, roadway deterioration, and debris and expanded coverage of motorcycle falls. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction is a must-have title for accident reconstructionists, forensic engineers, and all interested in understanding why and how motorcycle crashes occur.




Vehicular Accident Investigation and Reconstruction


Book Description

Accident investigation/reconstruction is more than just a job or even a profession; it is more art than science and requires a dedication greater than a commitment of time. It takes constant reading, study, and analysis of accident information and case reconstructions to keep improving your performance, both in the field and in the courtroom.




Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigation and Reconstruction


Book Description

EVIDENCE IN TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION AND RECONSTRUCTION begins with a detailed description of the entire investigation process. The material then graduates into the various phases and levels of investigations, showing the levels of training and education normally associated with the levels of investigations and consequently the duties and responsibilities of the investigator and reconstructionist. Using narrative, schematics, and photographs, the mechanical inspection process is described in detail by identifying various vehicle parts, explanations of their functions, and methods of identifying failures. Human-related factors in traffic crash investigations are discussed at length, including the traffic crash viewed as a systems failure. Looming vulnerability, a recently developed theoretical construct that helps to describe and understand social, cognitive, organizational, and psychological mechanism, is described. Discussed also is the role of vision in driver performance; perception as a four-way process; perceptions and reactions; driver's reaction to stress; and the roles of pathologists, medical examiners, and coroners in traffic crash reconstruction. Who is an expert and expert evidence are described in detail. Errors that can occur in the investigation process and the tolerances that should be considered or allowed are explained. The manual also discusses the importance of calling upon the skills and advice of occupational specialists, such as reconstructionists, lawyers, traffic engineers, pathologists, medical examiners and others, to assist in the investigation and reconstruction of a crash that will ensure that the objectives of a thorough and complete investigation will be satisfied. Considerable effort has been made in the manual to explain how to identify, interpret and analyze all forms of highway marks and damages that can be used in the reconstruction of a vehicle-related crash. As a guide for investigators, prosecutors and defense attorneys, checkboxes are provided with many of the major topics that can be used as prompters in evaluating the thoroughness of an investigation or for those areas that might or might not need additional coverage at trial or litigation proceedings. To meet international requirements, mathematical references are described in both English (U.S.) and SI (metric) measurement systems, accompanied by various appendices covering symbols and mathematical conversions. Finally, there is a comprehensive quick-find index that takes the reader directly to any topic, formulae, or subject matter - or any combination of these.







TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATORS' MANUAL


Book Description

This expanded and updated third edition continues to be an essential reference volume in regards to the principles and techniques of traffic crash investigation. One of the most important phases of any investigation into a traffic crash is that which is conducted at the scene. The traffic crash investigator must be aware of his or her responsibilities and know how to properly fulfill them from the time of being advised of a crash to the time the report is completed based on the on-scene investigation. This manual sets out in detail the requisites for a properly conducted crash investigation by delineating the types of evidence to look for and how to recognize, interpret, gather, and record evidence such as skid marks, yaw marks, roadway and vehicle marks and damages, and environmental, human, and mechanical factors. Only by understanding the principles presented in the text will the objectives of a traffic crash investigation be met: what happened, where the crash occurred, why the crash occurred, and who was involved. The manual covers in both written and illustrative form those situations that confront the investigator conducting a technical crash investigation. An important introduction to scientific speed analysis based on thorough at-scene investigation is provided. Mathematical equations and examples are completed in both the United States or Imperial and metric (S.I.) measurement systems. The book is generously illustrated and substantial appendices provide helpful mathematical tables. This invaluable resource will meet the needs of law enforcement officers, insurance adjusters and investigators, private investigators, lawyers, judges, legal investigators, and instructors and students involved in cadet or advanced traffic crash investigation programs. This new edition will be appreciated by all those charged with the responsibility for investigating traffic crashes, interpreting data, and presenting evidence based on sound analysis.




Vehicle Accident Analysis and Reconstruction Methods


Book Description

Designed for the experienced practitioner, this new book aims to help reconstruction specialists with problems they may encounter in everyday analysis. The authors demonstrate how to take the physics behind accidents out of the idealized world and into practical situations. Real-world examples are used to illustrate the methods, clarify important concepts, and provide practical applications to those working in the field. Thoroughly revised, this new edition builds on the original exploration of accident analysis, reconstruction, and vehicle design. Enhanced with new material and improved chapters on key topics, an expanded glossary of automotive terms, and a bibliography at the end of the book providing further reading suggestions make this an essential resource reference for engineers involved in litigation, forensic investigation, automotive safety, and crash reconstruction. Police officers, attorneys, and insurance professionals will also find the book to be a definitive resource in reconstructing accident scenes. New Topics: • Event data recorders (EDRs) • Frictional drag coefficients for sliding tires • Railroad grade-crossing collisions • New practical applications of mathematical methods Enhanced Features: • Expanded glossary of automotive terms • Bibliography with further reading suggestions • Improved chapters on tire forces, rollover accidents, crush energy, pedestrian collisions, vehicle dynamic simulation







Vehicle Accident Analysis and Reconstruction Methods


Book Description

In this third edition of Vehicle Accident Analysis & Reconstruction Methods, Raymond M. Brach and R. Matthew Brach have expanded and updated their essential work for professionals in the field of accident reconstruction. Most accidents can be reconstructed effectively using of calculations and investigative and experimental data: the authors present the latest scientific, engineering, and mathematical reconstruction methods, providing a firm scientific foundation for practitioners. Accidents that cannot be reconstructed using the methods in this book are rare. In recent decades, the field of crash reconstruction has been transformed through the use of technology. The advent of event data records (EDRs) on vehicles signaled the era of modern crash reconstruction, which utilizes the same physical evidence that was previously available as well as electronic data that are measured/captured before, during, and after the collision. There is increased demand for more professional and accurate reconstruction as more crash data is available from vehicle sensors. The third edition of this essential work includes a new chapter on the use of EDRs as well as examples using EDR data in accident reconstruction. Early chapters feature foundational material that is necessary for the understanding of vehicle collisions and vehicle motion; later chapters present applications of the methods and include example reconstructions. As a result, Vehicle Accident Analysis & Reconstruction Methods remains the definitive resource in accident reconstruction.