Advanced Forensic Engineering Analysis of a School Bus/Tractor-Trailer Crash

Abstract

This paper presents advanced techniques used to reconstruct a motor vehicle accident involving a fully loaded tractor-trailer and school bus with 30 young students. The accident investigation included analysis of the physical evidence using photogrammetry and high-definition laser scanning, application of engine control module (ECM) and global positioning system (GPS) data, and analyzing onboard video footage from the bus. Momentum-based crash simulation software (PC-Crash) was used to simulate the accident. The simulation data was compared with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data and with the onboard bus video footage. Further, rigid-body kinematic equations were used to determine occupant kinematics (velocities) and dynamics (accelerations). Multiple graphics are used to demonstrate the accident reconstruction and occupant kinematics and dynamics.