Pedestrian Crash Reconstruction Using Models based on Empirical Data and Motion Equations

Monday, September 13, 2021: 10:40 AM
240 (America's Center)
Dr. Matt Brach, Ph.D., P.E. , Engineering Systems Inc, Aurora, IL
Methods for the reconstruction of automotive crashes extend beyond vehicle-to-vehicle collisions and include vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions. Three principal methods have been developed for reconstruction of vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions. These include: 1) empirical methods based on test data, 2) analysis methods based on impact theory and rectilinear motion equations applied to the vehicle and the pedestrian, and 3) methods based in multi-body dynamics software. This talk presents a combined reconstruction approach utilizing the first two methods. After coverage of the two methods, an example reconstruction is presented.