Students Will:

• understand the concept of kinetic energy and its relation to crush energy analysis
• know the development history of crush analysis and testing
• understand the difference between delta v and barrier equivalent velocity as well as calculation of each value
• learn the correct protocol in the measurement of crush deformation and how to apply this protocol in the field
• understand the concepts of A, B, and G stiffness coefficients and how to calculate those stiffness values
• learn the principle of direction of force and how it acts through the calculated centroid of damage
• determine the energy equivalent speed from crush energy deformation measurement.
• learn to access the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration crash database and extract test data
• apply the aforementioned concepts and techniques in the field by measuring a salvage vehicle and calculating the energy equivalent speed

Orientation

A review of facility rules and regulations and the completion of appropriate documents. Course expectations and guidelines will be explained.

Math Review

Review of basic mathematical principles and the usage of calculators. Several classroom projects will be completed to reinforce basic math knowledge.

Kinetic Energy

The basic concept of kinetic energy and its application to crush energy analysis. Several classroom projects will illustrate this principle.

Crush Overview

An overview of crush energy analysis, both the facts and fallacies. The Do's and Don'ts will be explained.

History of Crush Analysis

Since the early 1950s, researchers have conducted crashes to capture data in vehicle collisions. A review of this progress will illustrate the current protocols and techniques utilized by the reconstructionist.

Delta V & BEV

The delta V and BEV factors and their implications. Students will learn how to apply them to crash situations.

Crush Measurement Protocol

The proper measurement of crush deformation in the calculation of kinetic energy. Variables in the measuring protocol will be discussed.

A & B Stiffness Coefficients

These coefficients, calculated from NHTSA test data, will be explained, and students will learn how they are applied to the actual damaged vehicle. This data is essential in the final determination of the energy equivalent speed.

Centroid of Damage Calculation

The Principle Direction of Force (PDOF) acting through the centroid of damage, will be discussed. Students will learn to determine the rotational acceleration of the vehicle, movement of the occupants inside the vehicle, and the post-impact travel and velocity of the vehicle using the PDOF in combination with the magnitude of the crash impulse (delta V.

Energy Equivalent Speed Calculation

The energy equivalent speed calculation-determined after all the aforementioned calculations are completed. From this calculation, students can insert the final component of the reconstruction analysis.

NHTSA Crash Research Database

Navigation of the NHTSA Research database to query and assist in the calculation of values needed in the final analysis. Sister and Clones comparison data will be discussed.

CRUSH Field Project

A field project involving the measurement of a salvage/damaged vehicle. Using the crush measurement protocol and the NHTSA crash database, the student will then collect the data to calculate the energy equivalent speed of the damage.

Final Examination

A final examination to test the student's knowledge, skills and ability to conduct a crush energy analysis. The minimum passing score will be established by the academic facility.

Course Critique & Certificate Presentation

A critique completed by each student to evaluate the course content, materials and instructor presentations.

Click on any of the courses listed below for a complete description:

• Excel for the Accident Reconstructionist
• Crush Energy Analysis
• Advanced Collision Investigation
• Collision Reconstruction Investigation
• Collision ReconstructionUpdate
• Heavy Vehicle Reconstruction