Analysis of Axle Shaft Failures for Use in Crash Reconstruction

The causes, conditions and circumstances of axle shaft failures are analyzed for use in reconstructing a variety of crashes. A literature search was performed to determine the frequency and the role of vehicle defects, such as axle shaft failures, to crash causation. Real world case studies of axle shaft failures are presented. Static testing force levels required to fracture axle shafts are compared to lateral forces encountered under normal and crash avoidance driving conditions. Vehicle and roadway physical evidence is presented when axle shafts are caused to “fracture” under dynamic testing. Results of the dynamic testing are compared to real world case studies.