Forensic Engineering Applications of the G-DaTA?V™ System of Equations to Real-World Collisions

Abstract

Analysis of vehicle deformation from impacts largely relies upon A and B stiffness coefficients for vehicle structures in order to approximate the velocity change and accelerations produced by an impact. While frontal impact stiffness factors for passenger vehicles, light trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles are relatively prevalent for modern vehicles, stiffness factors for rear and side structures, as well as heavy vehicles, buses, recreational vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and even objects, are essentially non-existent. This paper presents the application of the Generalized Deformation and Total Velocity Change Analysis to real-world collision events (G-DaTA?V™ System of Equations) as developed by this author. The focus of this paper addresses the relative precision and accuracy of the G-DaTA?V™ System of Equations for determining the total velocity change for oblique and/or offset vehicle-to-vehicle collisions involving light trucks and sport utility vehicles, which are largely under-represented with modern vehicle A and B stiffness values for side and rear surfaces. The previous paper presented by this author to the Academy addressed the relative accuracy and precision of the G-DaTA?V™ System of Equations as they relate to a first validation using the RICSAC-staged collision database. As a secondary and more comprehensive validation process, the G-DaTA?V™ System of Equations will be applied to real-world collision data obtained through the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS), which provides the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with a comprehensive compilation of real-world collision events representing a broad-based collection of collision configurations from across the country. This data represents a reusable source of information that was collected using standardized field techniques implemented by NASS-trained field technicians. Through using a “core set of crash data components,” NASS has demonstrated its utility and applicability to a vast array of statistical and analytical studies regarding traffic safety and vehicle collision dynamics.