Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Trailer Sway Accidents

Abstract

This Paper Describes A Method For The Reduction Of System Response Data For Second Order Electrical Or Mechanical Systems When That Data Is Available Only In Graphical Format. The Method Of Data Reduction Described Allows Quantitative Evaluation Of Generally Accepted Second Order System Parameters Such As: System Time Constant, Damped Natural Frequency, Damping Ratio, And Exponential Decay Time. The Discussion Includes The Application Of The Described Graphical Technique To Experimental System Response Data Of Coupled Systems, But Whose Experimental Response Approximates That Of An Isolated Second Order System. A Practical Application Of The Described Data Reduction Method Is Covered In Detail. The Described Technique Is Applied To The Analysis Of Data Obtained Experimentally For The Response Of A Tow Vehicle And Trailer System To A Standardized Steering Disturbance. Finally, The Statistical Validation For Experimental System Response Data And The Results Obtained From The Analysis Of Such Data, Using The Described Graphical Method, Is Discussed.