TVT Institute

Faculty of Mechanical Technology

Automotive Technology Department

Automobile Accident Analysis

Chapter 5 Collision Analysis
Course Code: AUT 517 (Cr.Hrs: 2)

By
Prof. Pedro Dionisio Remedios Castañeiras

Objectives:
Analyze the automobile Collision
Analysis
1 05/03/2025
 Chapter 5 Collision Analysis

Traffic collision
Vehicles and the traffic way to establish
energy used, direction of force, direction of
travel and required data to determine
speed.

2 05/03/2025
3 TYPES OF IMPACTS IN CAR ACCIDENTS

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3 TYPES OF IMPACTS IN CAR ACCIDENTS
#1: VEHICLE IMPACT
The initial strike involves the exterior of the vehicle crashing into
something, such as another vehicle. Factors to consider here are the
weight of the vehicles or objects, the speed of travel, and how fast the
vehicle stopped. These factors all dictate the force exerted, with speed
being the one that has the largest potential impact. The weight of a
vehicle proportionally heightens the amount of force;
however, speed does so exponentially, thus it greatly affects the
potential
#2: BODY severity.
IMPACT Older vehicles were traditionally designed to be
resistant
The second to forces
impactin is
a collision,
the resultbutofin the
recent years thebody
occupant’s vehicles are
striking
instead
somethingmanufactured tovehicle.
inside of the better absorb the will
The body force and keep
typically be the passenger
thrust toward
area better protected.
the point of exterior impact and either be restrained by a seat belt or
stopped by striking an inside object—both of which are dangerous. It is
also critical to remember that any unsecured objects within the vehicle
may also become
#3: ORGAN IMPACT potentially damaging projectiles. Examples of such
objects
The thirdmay include
impact a glass
relates to thebeverage container,inside
damage occurring a briefcase, or a tool
of the body,
box.
such as to the internal organs. A common example occurs when
your brain abruptly strikes the skull that surrounds it. Organs that
are solidly composed like the spleen or liver may be fractured and 4
suffer harmful bleeding. Key vessels like the aorta could be
damaged, which is largely responsible for blood flow, creating
a potentially deadly situation.
Traffic collision

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Traffic collision
Educating, and providing additional training for
younger drivers with regards to rush hour traffic and
unfamiliar road configurations, such as traffic circles
and freeway express lanes could reduce the number of
collisions.
Informing the public of the additional safety provided
by newer vehicles, possibly encouraging them to
invest in those vehicles, thereby reducing risk of injury
and death in accidents.
Educating, and providing additional training for younger
drivers with regards to rush hour traffic and unfamiliar
road configurations, such as traffic circles and freeway
express lanes could reduce the number of collisions.
Informing the public of the additional safety provided by
newer vehicles, possibly encouraging them to invest in
those vehicles, thereby reducing risk of injury and death
6 in accidents. 05/03/2025
Traffic collision
What means traffic accident?
A traffic accident is defined as an
accident involving at least one
vehicle on a road open to public
traffic in which at least one person
is injured or killed.
A traffic collision, also called a motor
vehicle collision, car accident or car
crash, occurs when a vehicle collides
with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal,
road debris, or other stationary
7obstruction, such as a tree, pole or 05/03/2025
Collision Safety & Analysis

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Collision Safety
when vehicles on&the
Analysis
road collide, there is risk of
injury/death to the occupants of the vehicles,
deformation of the vehicles, redirection of vehicles
into other traffic, and/or damage to elements of the
highway infrastructure.
The aim of Collision Safety and Analysis is to advance
collision safety though scientific research using
sophisticated computational methods that provide a
means to establish a sounder understanding of
collision dynamics, likely effects on the users, vehicles,
and infrastructure system elements, and potential
effectiveness of mitigation
This understanding allows options.
for better design, analysis,
evaluation and deployment of means to mitigate
collision effects across a broad spectrum of impact
conditions, vehicle types, design features,
9

technological options, and environmental conditions.

How to perform collision analysis

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How
Theto perform
first step is collision analysis
the identification of the location,
which is usually a road segment or an
intersection.

Collision records are obtained from the police

records department whose jurisdiction covers
the area under study.

It is best to review the actual collision record

as keypunched databases and automated
“document scanning” systems do have errors.

A collision databases indicates that many of

11
the police records contain errors.
How
Theto perform
Second stepcollision analysis
is the collision rate needs to be
calculated.
This measure takes into account the traffic volume
at the location of the collision. Normally, a
location that has low traffic volumes will not have
as many collisions as a location with high
volumes.

The collision rate is the number of collisions at that

location divided by the traffic volume at that
location.

The investigator calculates the equivalent-

property-damage-only (EPDO) rate in a similar
manner. 12
How
Theto perform
Third step iscollision
to createanalysis
a collision diagram
starting with the first location on the
Equivalent Property Damage Only
(EPDO) ranking list.
A diagram is sketched showing where each
collision occurred at the intersection.

The movement, type and severity are shown by

symbols and the date, day of week, time of
collision, weather, pavement conditions, and
light are noted.

After all collisions are sketched, the

13

investigator determines what patterns are

How
ThetoFinal
perform collision
(Fourth) analysis
step is to countermeasures
analysis.
By examining the spot map, showing the types
and frequency of collisions and the weather for
example, the investigator has an excellent
indication of the major cause or causes of the
collisions.

The investigator then suggests measures to

improve the conditions.

In addition, the costs of the improvements are

estimated and the expected benefits detailed.
14
Collision analysis and reconstruction unit

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ollision analysis and reconstruction unit
The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction
(CAR) Unit is responsible for the
investigation of all fatal motor
vehicle/vessel crashes that occur within
County, as well as all serious motor vehicle
crashes where the at-fault driver is
suspected of engaging in criminally reckless
conduct.

The CAR Unit is presently operating in

conjunction with the Major Crimes Unit
(MCU). 16
Collision Diagrams

Collision diagrams are used to display

and identify similar accident patterns.

They provide information on the type

and number of accidents; including
conditions such as time of day, day of
week, climatic conditions, pavement
conditions, and other information
critical to determining the causes of
safety problems. 17
Collision Diagrams
Construction of Collision Diagram

•The sketch need not be to sale.

•Show the path of each vehicle involved in the accident
with adequate room for information.
•Place a north arrow for orientation and any other
descriptive information:
1. Location Identification
2. Period of Analysis
3. Label the Roads
• Sketch the path of each vehicle to show vehicle
maneuver, type of collision and accident severity,
and;
1. Time of day
2. Day of week 18
3. Date
4. Lighting condition
Collision Diagrams
Symbols
Symbols representing the nature of operation, vehicle
or object involved and severity of the accident are
adopted. These are shown in the example collision
diagram on the following page. Symbols to represent
types of collisions diagrams are also standardized.

19
Collision Diagrams
Accident Patterns
Accident patterns seen on the collision diagram can often suggest
possible accident problems.

For example, a large number of angle accidents would imply the

potential of a sight distance restriction. At the end of this set of
notes is a set of Accident Pattern Tables which identify accident
type, possible causes, possible studies to determine the problem,
and possible countermeasures.
Collision two vehicles with right angle
direction.

Collision rear-end

20
Injured accident of parked vehicle
Collision Diagrams
Collision Diagrams
Collision Diagrams
Collision Diagrams
Collision Diagrams
Collision Diagrams
Collision Diagrams
Exercise of collision diagram
Collision - Problems
1. A 10-kg medicine ball is thrown at a velocity of 3m/s to a 50-kg skater who is at rest on
ice. The skater catches the ball and subsequently slides with the ball across the ice.
Consider the skater and the ball as two separate parts of an isolated system.
a. Label the diagram and fill in the before-and after-collision table below; and
b. Find the velocity of the skater and medicine ball after she catches it.
Collision - Problems
2. A large fish with a mass of 1-kg is in motion at 45 cm/s when it encounters a smaller fish
(m=0.2kg) that is at rest. The large fish swallows the smaller fish and continues in
motion at a reduced speed.
a. Label the diagram and fill the before-and after-collision table below; and
b. Find the velocity of the two fish after the larger has eaten.
Collision - Problems
3 A 0.15-kg baseball moving at a speed of 45m/s crosses the plate and strikes the 0.25-kg
catcher’s mitt (originally at rest). The catcher’s mitt immediately recoils backwards (at
the same speed as the ball) before the catcher applies an external force to stop its
momentum. If the catcher’s hand is in a relaxed state at the time of the collision, it can
be assumed that no net external force exists and the law of momentum conservation
applies to the base ball-catcher’s mitt collision.
a. Label the diagram and fill the before-and after-collision table below; and
b. Determine the velocity of the ball and catcher’s mitt immediately after the collision.
Collision - Problems
4. A 4800kg truck traveling with a velocity of 4m/s collides head-on with a 1200-kg car
traveling with velocity of 12m/s. The truck and car entangle and move together after
the collision
a. Label the diagram and fill the before-and after-collision table below; and
b. Determine the velocity of the truck and car immediately after the collision
 Vehicles and the traffic way to
establish energy used, direction of
force, direction of travel and required
data to determine speed.

32 05/03/2025
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Dynamics analysis of vehicle collision accidents

The collision phenomenon in automobile accident is a

complicated mechanical process. As far as the
mechanical properties of automobile itself are
concerned, there are both the rigid side of steel
structure and the consequence of plastic deformation
under
At thecertain
same impact
time, force.
due to the differences in the
quality, speed, structure and shape of the car in the
collision, the damage degree and the motion
condition of the car after the collision will be very
different.
For the mechanics process involved in automobile
collision accident, the basic mechanics theorem is
taken as the premise to simplify the model and
make corresponding analysis and calculation. 33
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Dynamics analysis of vehicle collision accidents

In order to establish the dynamic equation,

the following assumptions are made:
• the collision process satisfies the momentum
conservation and ignores the external forces;

• the mass distribution and geometric

parameters of the vehicle remain unchanged
during the collision process;

• the frontal collision, and the collision impact

distributes uniformly on the contact surface.
34
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Dynamics analysis of vehicle collision accidents

Based on the frontal collision hypothesis, the

vehicle collision process can be simplified to
a one-dimensional collision model.

𝑚1𝑣it1+ 𝑚1be
𝑣2= 𝑚1𝑣1′+that:
𝑚1𝑣2′
According to the law of conservation of
momentum, can obtained

Where: m1 and m2 are the mass of two vehicles in

collision; v1 and v2 are the velocities before collision;
v1', v2‘ are the velocities after collision; e is the
35
recovery coefficient between two vehicles, and ΔE is
the loss of mechanical energy during collision.
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV

Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of

speed, the trend noted in the early study
implies that the square root of the kinetic
energy is approximately linearly proportional to
the residual crush. The crush energy, EC, per
unit width, w, of a crushed vehicle can then be
expressed as a linear function of crush, C:

where the residual crush, C, is measured normal

(perpendicular) to, and from, the nominal
undeformed vehicle surface. The constants d0 and d1
36
are called the crush stiffness coefficients and are
determined experimentally from staged barrier
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV

Example 9.1 A 1972 Buick LeSabre

has a curb weight of 4500 lb (20.0
kN) and a width of 79 in. (2.0 m). A
direct frontal collision into a flat, rigid
concrete abutment produces a fairly
uniform side-to-side residual crush of
42 in. (1.07 m). The rebound is
negligible.
A. Use the straight line equation from Figure 9.1 Variation of
Fig. 9.1 to estimate the impact speed. residual crush with impact
speed, full frontal rigid barrier
B. Use the equation from Fig. 9.1, and tests

the answer to part A, to determine the

Solution A For a uniform residual crush of 42 in., the
coefficients d0 and d1 in Eq. 9.1.
equation from Fig. 9.1 gives
1mph=1.61km/
h=0.447 m/s
37
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV Ke=1/2 (mxV2)
= (2000 kgx
Solution B From the equation in (3.05m/s)2)/ 2
= 9302.5 J == 9.57kJ
Fig. 9.1, C = 0 occurs at a speed
of V = 6.85 mph (11.0 km/h) when
the kinetic energy is 7059.9 ft-lb
(9.57 kJ). Using Eq. 9.1 with C = 0
gives

Figure 9.1 Variation of

residual crush with impact
From A, at 43.8 mph (70.5 km/h) the kinetic speed, full frontal rigid barrier
energy loss is 288,595 ft-lb (391.3 kJ). tests

Solving Eq. 9.1 for d1 gives

38
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV

Solution B From the equation in

Fig. 9.1, C = 0 occurs at a speed
of V = 6.85 mph (11.0 km/h) when
the kinetic energy is 7059.9 ft-lb
(9.57 kJ). Using Eq. 9.1 with C = 0
gives

From A, at 43.8 mph (70.5 km/h) the kinetic

energy loss is 288,595 ft-lb (391.3 kJ). Figure 9.1 Variation of
residual crush with impact
Solving Eq. 9.1 for d1 gives speed, full frontal rigid barrier
tests

Vehicles do not always collide head-on into flat rigid barriers, so the
above relationship between energy (and speed) and residual crush is not
generally applicable for accident reconstruction unless it can be adapted
39
to non uniform crush profiles and vehicle-to vehicle collisions.
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Net force
F=
d(mv)/dt
F= mdv/dt = ma
The momentum is one factor that affects in
the moment of collision between two objects.
Momentum = mv
For two objects it is: m1v1+m2v1=
(m1+m2)v12
Impulse (J) is the integral of the net force on
an objects; in other word is the changed in
momentum.
40
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Work Energy Example: forces on a car crashing into
a wall
Work , W= DE System Car

W= F x DS = F x DS x Cos j DE=DK
K=1/2 x m v 2
v1= 26.7 m/s m=5000kg DS= 06 m
F=? DS
N
Fw=? Wn= N x DS = N x DS x Cos j= 0

Wmg= mg x DS = mg x DS x Cos j=
mg
0 Ww= Fw x DS x Cos j= - = Fw x DS
Ww= - Fw x DS = DK= K2-K1= -K1

Fw x DS = 1/2 x m v 2
- Fw x DS = -K1 = - 1/2 x m v 2

Fw = m v 2
/ 2 x DS
41
Fw = 2.9x106 N Fw = 5000x (26.7) 2
/ 2 x 0.6
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Example: A car traveling at 27 m/s collision with the building. The collision with the building
causes the car to come to stop to approximately 1 second. The driver who weight 860 N is
protected by combination of a variable protection Seatbelt and airbag (see figure) (if effect the
driver collides with the seat belt and airbag and not with the building) the airbag and seatbelt
slow his velocity such that he come to stopped approximately 2.5 s.
a)What average force does the driver experience during the collision?
b) Without the seatbelt and airbag collision time( with the steering wheel) what would have
been approximately 0.20 s. What force would be the experience in this case?
a) Impulse Where,
J= Impulse
J= ∫ F.dt
J= Fave.P=DtMomentum
Jx= Impulse direction x

P2x=Momentum after collision

Secondary equation for impulse: P1x Momentum before collision
= P2 – P1 But momentum, direction X
x= P2x – P1x P= mv m= driver’s mass
0
x= P2x – P1x = mv2 – mv1 = mv1 Weight is: driver weight
is 860 N
Jx = - m v 1= 87.8 kg (27m/s) W=mg
x= - 2370.6 kgm/s m= w/g = 860 N/ 9.8142
m/s2
Average force: J= Fave. Dt
m= 87.8 kg
Fave= - J /. Dt = (2370.6kgm/s) / ( 2.5 s)
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Example: A car traveling at 27 m/s collision with the building. The collision with the building
causes the car to come to stop to approximately 1 second. The driver who weight 860 N is
protected by combination of a variable protection Seatbelt and airbag (see figure) (if effect the
driver collides with the seat belt and airbag and not with the building) the airbag and seatbelt
slow his velocity such that he come to stopped approximately 2.5 s.
a)What average force does the driver experience during the collision?
b) Without the seatbelt and airbag collision time( with the steering wheel) what would have
been approximately 0.20 s. What force would be the experience in this case?
Impulse
J= ∫ F.dt
J= Fave. Dt

b) Average force without the seatbelt and airbag

collision at time 0.20 s:

Average force: J= Fave. Dt

Fave= - J /. Dt = (2370.6kgm/s) / ( 0.20 s) =
- 11 853 N
43
 Average Force vs Brake
Distance

Fxd=Constant =4000
J
F:N
d:m

Fxd=W

Example :

W= 10 kgf x10
m/s2x40 m
= 4000 J

/…see video

44 05/03/2025
 Kinetic Energy: Effect of
speed

KE= ½ *m *V2
• Is proportional to
the speed
• Changed with the
mass car
• Increase the
speed the
distance of brake
increase because
the coefficient of
friction decrease

/..See video
45 05/03/2025
 Example 9.1 in International
System Unit

46 05/03/2025
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV

Example 9.1 A 1972 Buick LeSabre

has a curb weight of 4500 lb (20.0
kN) and a width of 79 in. (2.0 m). A
direct frontal collision into a flat, rigid
concrete abutment produces a fairly
uniform side-to-side residual crush of
42 in. (1.07 m). The rebound is
negligible.
A. Use the straight line equation from Figure 9.1 Variation of
Fig. 9.1 to estimate the impact speed. residual crush with impact
speed, full frontal rigid barrier
B. Use the equation from Fig. 9.1, and tests

the answer to part A, to determine the

Solution A For a uniform residual crush of 42 in., the
coefficients d0 and d1 in Eq. 9.1.
equation from Fig. 9.1 gives
1mph=1.61km/
h=0.447 m/s
47
= 19.6 m/s
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV Ke=1/2 (mxV2)
= (2000 kgx
Solution B From the equation in (3.05m/s)2)/ 2
= 9302.5 J == 9.57kJ
Fig. 9.1, C = 0 occurs at a speed
of V = 6.85 mph (11.0 km/h=
3.05m/s) when the kinetic energy is
9302.5 J (9.57 kJ). Using Eq. 9.1 with C
= 0 gives

Figure 9.1 Variation of

residual crush with impact
From A, at 43.8 mph (70.5 km/h) the kinetic speed, full frontal rigid barrier
energy loss is 288,595 ft-lb (391.3 kJ). tests

Solving Eq. 9.1 for d1 gives

Ke=1/2 (mxV2)
= (2000 kg x
(19.58m/s)2)/ 2
= 384 160 J == 48
9.57kJ
1m= 39.3
in
cles and the traffic way to establish energy u
Crush Energy and DV

Solution B From the equation in

Fig. 9.1, C = 0 occurs at a speed
of V = 6.85 mph (11.0 km/h) when
the kinetic energy is 7059.9 ft-lb
(9.57 kJ). Using Eq. 9.1 with C = 0
gives

From A, at 43.8 mph (70.5 km/h) the kinetic

energy loss is 288,595 ft-lb (391.3 kJ). Figure 9.1 Variation of
residual crush with impact
Solving Eq. 9.1 for d1 gives speed, full frontal rigid barrier
tests

Vehicles do not always collide head-on into flat rigid barriers, so the
above relationship between energy (and speed) and residual crush is not
generally applicable for accident reconstruction unless it can be adapted
49
to non uniform crush profiles and vehicle-to vehicle collisions.