Microcomputer Programs Useful for Aspects of Accident Reconstruction

The listings of two programs written in the BASIC language for use on microcomputers are presented. The first, APPLETRAJ, is oriented toward discovery of the initial conditions required of a skidding vehicle to match trajectory evidence. The second, APPLECRASH, uses sets of geometric, inertial and energy absorbing vehicle parameters to interpret the crush shapes of a pair of crashed vehicles into a value for the system linear impulse. From the impulse the Delta-Velocity and the Delta-Omega of each vehicle are found. In addition, the peak forces that the model uses are presented. Both programs feature graphics screen prompting of input and feedback of geometries, kinematic information and final reporting.