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A Method for Quantifying Vehicle Crush Stiffness Coefficients
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English
Abstract
The accuracy of an accident reconstruction, which employs the damage analysis feature of the CRASH3 computer program, is directly related to the accuracy of the crush stiffness coefficients employed. Crush stiffness coefficients, however, are available only through a limited number of publications and for a limited number of vehicles. In addition, assumptions made in the determination of these published stiffness coefficients bring their accuracy into question and, as a result, limit their value to a reconstructing engineer. It is concluded, therefore, that an engineer must use a critical eye when viewing the results of a CRASH3 reconstruction in which these stiffness coefficients were employed.
A method is set forth for quantifying stiffness coefficients from crash test data available in a database which can be obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This method will allow reconstructing engineers to have a greater level of confidence in the results of an accident reconstruction in which the damage analysis feature of CRASH3 is employed.
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Citation
Neptune, J., Blair, G., and Flynn, J., "A Method for Quantifying Vehicle Crush Stiffness Coefficients," SAE Technical Paper 920607, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/920607.Also In
References
- Strother, C. Woolley R. James M. “A Comparison Between NHTSA Crash Test Data and CRASH3 Frontal Stiffness Coefficients” SAE Paper 900101 1990
- Smith, Russell A. Noga J. Thomas “Accuracy and Sensitivity of CRASH” SAE Paper 821169 1982
- “CRASH3 User's Guide and Technical Manual” U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Accident Investigation Division Washington D.C. 20590
- “Vehicle Crush Stiffness Coefficients for Model Years 1970-1984 with Damage Profile Supplement” Engineering Dynamics Corporation Library Ref. No. 1042 Lake Oswego, Oregon August 1987
- NHTSA Vehicle Test Center Data Base, Department of Transportation NHTSA Office of Vehicle Crashworthiness Research Washington, D.C. 20590
- Campbell, K.L. “Energy Basis for Collision Severity” SAE Paper 740565