ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1981
Page Count: 7

Modeling of Vehicular Accidents
Feder, KR
Owner and manager, Automotive Specialists, Colo.

Christopher, RA
Professor, University of Colorado, Colo.

(Received 21 May 1980; accepted 14 August 1980)

Abstract

The accurate modeling of motor vehicle accidents is theoretically possible and practical. Through modeling, actual collisions can be reconstructed and reenacted numerous times and at nominal expense. Methods of presentation include: (1) multi-image stroboscopy, (2) high speed cinematography, and (3) actual demonstration of the accident in the courtroom. Two methods for modeling the actual damage to the cars are discussed. This approach to accident reconstruction should eliminate many lawsuits, because both plaintiff and defendant can observe a reenactment of a crash, and will further reduce the chances of erroneous judgment.

Keywords:
criminalistics, motor vehicle accidents, collision research, scale model tests, stroboscopes, high speed cameras, dimensional analysis

Paper ID: JFS11379J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11379J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.