Volume Eight, Issue 12
December 2006
The Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
is a monthly newsletter delivered electronically
to over 10,000 recipients. If you would like to receive the newsletter,
simply sign our guest
book
SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
If you would like to submit an article to the
Accident Reconstruction Newsletter, please email the ARC Network:
arc@accidentreconstruction.com
Your resource for accident reconstruction and traffic accident investigation.
December 2006 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter
Welcome to the December 2006 edition of the Accident Reconstruction Newsletter.
It's hard to believe the year is almost over. It has been a fast and furious year for the ARC Network. We have received a record number of new members, launched a new magazine (Collision), launched a new conference (CDR User's Conference) which sold out in record time, and had the best turn-out ever for our ARC-CSI Crash Conference! We even had time to offer some really great deals to our current members (like a free version of Jeff Muttart's Drive3 software offered at REC-TEC).
We are now working on Vol. 2 Issue 1 of Collision Magazine and also getting ready for the 2nd annual CDR User's Conference. The media kit for Collision is available as a PDF Download directly from the web site.
The conference registrations have been pouring in, but there are still some spaces left. Please visit www.crashconferences.com/cdrconference/2007/2007cdr.html for complete information.
A couple notes about the upcoming CDR User's Conference:
- We will be offering ACTAR CEU's (thanks to NAPARS)
- We will be offering a special deal for the next update release from Vetronix/Bosch
- We will have a couple "guest" speakers that are not listed on the conference agenda. You will not want to miss these presentations!
We are also glad to announce that we are beginning the preparation for the 2007 ARC-CSI Crash Conference. Once again the conference will be held in Las Vegas and we will be keeping the price at $599 for those who register early. We will be opening registration for ARC-CSI in January 2007.
The ARC Network is planning on adding some new features to the members only section next year, if there is anything you would like to see improved or added, please send us an email.
Thank you for making the ARC Network the number one organization and web site for accident reconstruction and traffic investigation.
Sincerely,
Scott Baker
President
The ARC Network
- Cita Research Study Programme
- A Brief History of Vehicle Dynamics:
Why Tires are So Important -
Updated Review Of Potential Test Procedures For Fmvss No. 208
- Real and Simulated Crashworthiness Tests On Buses
- Proceedings 18th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced safety of vehicles
- Accident Reconstruction Publications for Sale
-
Evaluation of Event Data Recorders In Full Systems Crash Tests
- The Accuracy of Winsmash Delta-V Estimates: The Influence of Vehicle Type, Stiffness, and Impact Mode
- Advertising in the ARC Network
- Crash Data Retrieval
- ARC Network New Members
- Events, Conferences and Seminars
- Accident Reconstruction News Articles
CITA RESEARCH STUDY PROGRAMME
ON ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED SYSTEMS ON VEHICLES
Introduction
Modern motor vehicle drive systems are characterised by a multitude of complex control and regulating systems optimally adapting the drive characteristics to the respective driving condition. Known systems are electronic devices for regulating the brake system to obtain increased safety by means of automatic slip regulation when braking (ABS, ESP etc.) or accelerating. Anti Lock Braking Systems (ABS) became a standard device in all actual vehicles. At present a high rate of vehicles equipped with ABS with ages up to ten or twelve years are on the road.
The existing information about the availability and reliability of these systems is insufficient. Furthermore, it is not defined, how these systems can be effectively checked on their correct function. At present, the efficiency of these systems is only tested after the production of the car and no further tests or periodic checking occur during it's whole lifetime. Only self-checks are done by the systems self diagnosis routine and the results are documented in the fault memory. It is unknown, whether these self checks are sufficient to cover most of the failures which appear in the system, or if additional efficiency tests are necessary.
Nevertheless, this information is necessary for the estimation about the influences of
these systems on traffic safety.
Therefore, in this study the functional behaviour of older ABS systems is examined with a four wheel ABS Test Bench from TUEV Rheinland. A large number of vehicles (>250) is tested to ensure the correctness of the statistics. The vehicles for the tests are acquired during the periodical inspection tests at the TUEV Kraftfahrt testing facilities. A test sequence for the four wheel test bench is defined to make the detection of failures and discrepancies of the ABS possible. After data collection, a detailed evaluation of the data is carried out. The result of the evaluation determines the rate of defective ABS.
The functional behaviour during the efficiency test is analysed and the appeared failures are compared with the fault memory content before and after the efficiency test on the test bench. Herewith, important information of the failure detection rates of the two test types is generated. Furthermore, it is investigated, if the implementation of the tests in the given procedure of the periodic testing is practicable.
A Brief History of Vehicle Dynamics: Why Tires are So Important
Overview
- A brief history:
- Where are we coming from?
- How the vehicle dynamics field developed
- Recognition of the importance of tires
- Vehicle dynamics today
- Simulation tools
- Limitations on our understanding of tires
- Vehicle dynamics tools of tomorrow
- Where are we going?
- Driving simulation
Updated Review Of Potential Test Procedures For Fmvss No. 208
Background
The objective of a crash test for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 is to measure how well a passenger vehicle would protect its occupants in the event of a serious real world frontal crash. This is sometimes referred to as the crashworthiness of a vehicle. This report reviews potential test procedures for evaluating frontal crashworthiness.
Structural design for crashworthiness seeks to mitigate two adverse effects of a crash – (1) rapid deceleration of the occupant compartment, and (2) crush of the occupant compartment survival space. In a severe crash, the speed of a vehicle often decreases from its travel speed to zero in a hundred thousandths of a second. One important way to minimize the injury consequences of this abrupt change in velocity is to extend the amount of time necessary to slow the vehicle down – the less abrupt the change in velocity, the lower the crash forces on the occupant. The front end of vehicles are designed to crumple in a controlled manner in a collision to give their occupants the necessary additional time to safely decelerate in a crash.
Note that the controlled crush or crumple of the front-end, a safety positive feature, is totally different from the crush or collapse of the actual occupant compartment – which is to be avoided. At a minimum, partial collapse of the structural cage which surrounds the occupant allows vehicle parts (e.g., the engine or steering mechanism) to “intrude” into the occupant space and strike the occupant causing injury. In extremely severe collisions, the occupant compartment may suffer a catastrophic collapse, and allow the occupant to be crushed.
The degradation of the occupant compartment survival space is measured by intrusion. The occupant
compartment deceleration severity is measured by the amplitude and time duration of the deceleration
time history. The deceleration time history is sometimes called the crash pulse. Both effects have the
potential for causing injury.
Real and Simulated Crashworthiness Tests On Buses
Abstract
This paper discusses the design aspects of bus frontal impact behavior as one of the main subjects of bus crashworthiness and surveys conditions and results of previous full impact laboratory tests comparing the FEM simulation results carried out on a Hungarian Ikarus bus.
Clarifying the adequate background gives possibilities for checking bus passive safety solutions by computer and the best utilizable resolutions can be applied in the standardized production. This paper shows frontal impact test arrangements of a 10 tons’ city bus with three different impact speeds and computer simulation versions of these real tests. It gives possibilities to compare the test results to the requirements of current bus regulations.
M3Consulting - Brake Insite
Brake Insite by M3consulting
Brake Insite is a comprehensive air brake evaluation system designed by M3's engineers. They saw the need for an accurate, verifiable way to determine the condition of a vehicle's air brake system following a collision.
The Brake Insite can be used to measure:
• Air pressure
• Brake actuation
• Brake signals
• Pressure loss
• Pressure buildup
• Low-pressure functions (alarm, spring brake apply, etc.)
The Brake Insite can evaluate:
• Brake chamber stroke
• Tractor protection valve
• Low pressure alarm
• Quick release valves
• Relay valves
• Anti-compound function
• Brake adjustment
• Condition of air lines
To find out more contact Alan Moore at 321-946-1283
or alan@brakeinsite.com
For more information about M3Consulting and Brake Insite - click here
Proceedings 18th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced safety of vehicles
Introduction
The ESV Program originated more than thirty years ago under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society, and was implemented through bilateral agreements between the governments of the United States, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden. The participating nations agreed to develop experimental safety vehicles to advance the state-of-the-art technology in automotive engineering and to meet periodically to exchange information on their progress. Since its inception the number of international partners has grown to include the governments of Canada, Australia, The Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, and two international organizations -- the European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee, and the European Commission. A representative from each country and organization serves as a Government Focal Point in support of the Conference.
The research papers and status reports contained on this CD-ROM are unedited and address efforts worldwide relevant to the reduction of motor vehicle related fatalities and injuries.
Donna E. Gilmore
ESV Technical Coordinator
Accident Reconstruction Publications for Sale
Larry Beveridge is selling his collection of Accident Reconstruction books and magazines. The complete list is detailed below (added two new books to the list).
Contact: Larry Beveridge
(541) 997-8311
travelingadream@bmi.net
Formula Workbook for Traffic Accident Investigation and Reconstruction
by Gary L. Stephens.
Sell for: $39.95 & $3.49 for shipping and handling.
It is used but in good condition.
Equations & Formulas for the Traffic Accident Investigator and Reconstructionist
by C. Gregory Russell.
Sell for $30.00 & $3.49 for shipping and handling.
It is in like new condition.
Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction and Litigation
2nd Edition, Jerry J. Eubanks & Paul J. Hill Esq.
Includes video
List price:$149.00 Sell for: $125.00 Like new condition
Traffic Accident Investigation Manual
Reprinted 1976—J. Stannard Baker
List price: $2.69-28.00 Sell for: $7.50 Acceptable condition
Lamp Examination for On/Off in Traffic Accidents
1977 Edition—J. Stannard Baker
List price: publication currently unavailable Sell for: $5.00 Like new condition
Basic Motion Equations Used in Traffic Accident Reconstruction
1990—Lynn B. Fricke
List price: $15.00 Sell for: $10.00 Like new condition
Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction SP-777 1989
S.A.F. Global Mobility Database
List price: $86.95-87.82 Sell for: $85.00 Very good condition
Traffic Accident Reconstruction 1990—Volume 2—
Lynn B. Fricke
List price: $75.00-95.95 Sell for: $60.00 Very good condition
Impact Velocity From Conservation of Linear Momentum For the Traffic Accident Investigator & Reconstructionist
Walter A. Kennedy IPTM
Make offer Like new condition
The Traffic Accident Investigation Manual
1986—At Scene Investigation & Technical Follow-Up
J. Stannard Baker, Lynn B. Fricke
List price: $9.51-50.00 Sell for $12.50 Very good condition
Automobile Handbook- 4th Edition
Bosch
List price:$37.48-$68.02 Sell for: $30.00 Like new condition
Low Speed Automobile Accidents, Accident Reconstruction and Occupant Kinematics, Dynamics and Biomechanics
Alan Watts, PhD, Dave R. Atkinson, BS, Corey Hennessy, MA
List price: $72.24-72.27 Sell for: $65.00 Like new condition
Forensic Accident Investigation
1995—Thomas Bohan, Arthur Damask
List price: $175.00-200.00 Sell for: $150.00 Like new condition
Forensic Aspects of Driver Perception & Response
Paul L. Olson
List price: $42.95-122.27 Sell for: $35.00 Like new condition
Forensic Accident Investigation 2
1997—Thomas Bohan, Arthur Damask
List price: $175.00 Sell for: $150.00 Like new condition
Accident Reconstruction Journal
1989-2003 (Bi monthly)
List price: $7.33 per issue Sell for: $4.00 per issue Like new condition
Will negotiate for bulk price
Accident Investigation Quarterly
1989-2003
List price $8.00 per issue Sell for: $4.00 per
issue Like new condition
Will negotiate for bulk price
I will sell the entire collection for
$1,000.00 plus shipping (including magazines)
Contact: Larry Beveridge
(541) 997-8311
travelingadream@bmi.net
All items listed are plus shipping costs
Evaluation of Event Data Recorders In Full Systems Crash Tests
Abstract
The Event Data Recorders (EDRs), now being installed as standard equipment by several automakers, are increasingly being used as an independent measurement of crash severity, which avoids many of the difficulties of traditional crash reconstruction methods. Little has been published however about the accuracy of the data recorded by the current generation of EDRs in a real world collision. Previous studies have been limited to a single automaker and full frontal barrier impacts at a single test speed. This paper presents the results of a methodical evaluation of the accuracy of new-generation (2000-2004) EDRs from General Motors, Ford, and Toyota in laboratory crash tests across a wide spectrum of impact conditions. The study evaluates the performance of EDRs by comparison with the laboratory-grade accelerometers mounted onboard test vehicles subjected to crash loading over a wide range of impact speeds, collision partners, and crash modes including full frontal barrier, frontal-offset, side impact, and angled frontal-offset impacts. The study concludes that, if the EDR recorded the full crash pulse, the EDR average error in frontal crash pulses was just under six percent when compared with crash test accelerometers. In many cases, however, current EDRs do not record the complete crash pulse resulting in a substantial underestimate of delta-V.
The Accuracy Of Winsmash Delta-V Estimates: The Influence of Vehicle Type, Stiffness, and Impact Mode
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to investigate the accuracy of WinSmash delta-V estimates as a function of crash mode, vehicle body type, and vehicle stiffness. The accuracy of WinSmash delta-V estimates was evaluated for 121 NASS/CDS 2000-2003 cases for which direct measurements of delta-V had been retrieved from an Event Data Recorder on the case vehicle. WinSmash was found to underestimate delta-V by 23% on average. WinSmash was found to be most accurate in crashes involving full frontal engagement of the vehicle structure. When using categorical stiffness coefficients, the accuracy of delta-V estimates was found to be a strong function of vehicle type. WinSmash underestimated delta-V for pickup trucks by only 3%, but underestimated delta-V for front-wheel drive cars by 31%. The use of vehicle-specific stiffness coefficients improved the accuracy of the longitudinal delta-V estimate. The single most important factor in improving WinSmash accuracy was the inclusion of restitution. After adjusting for restitution, WinSmash underestimated delta-V in frontal crashes by only 1% on average.
THE WINSMASH COMPUTER CODE estimates vehicle change in velocity, or delta-V, based on post-crash measurements of vehicle deformation. Delta-V is a crucial component of accident reconstruction, and is widely used as a measure of crash severity in crash statistics databases, e.g. the National Automotive Sampling System / Crashworthiness Data System (NASS/CDS).
Computation of delta-V using WinSmash and other derivatives of the CRASH3 code is not always successful or accurate. Smith and Noga (1982) reconstructed 27 vehicle-to-vehicle crash tests using CRASH3, and compared the results with the delta-V measured by crash test instrumentation. Their study concluded that CRASH3 underestimated delta-V by approximately 10% on average, and exhibited a fair amount of scatter surrounding that average. O’Neill et al (1996) compared CRASH3 delta-V estimates with impact speed in 41 frontal offset barrier crash tests, and found that CRASH3 produced a delta-V estimate that was approximately 33% less than the impact speed of the collision. Nolan et al (1998) confirmed this finding using SMASH, a CRASH3 derivative, and observed that the tendency to underestimate delta-V in frontal offset crash tests varied with vehicle type. Stucki and Fessahaie (1998) examined WinSmash performance in staged collisions with varying degrees of offset, and concluded that decreased vehicle frontal overlap led to greater delta-V underestimates. Lenard et al (1998) investigated the accuracy of CRASH3 with European cars. In 64 km/hr frontal offset crash tests, this study found that frontal offset impacts resulted in an average computed delta-V that was 7 km/hr lower than the actual delta-V.
The installation of Event Data Recorders (EDRs) in many production vehicles provides an alternative method to crash testing for evaluation of CRASH3 which may better capture the many complexities of a real-world crash. Current EDRs record either vehicle acceleration or change in velocity as a function of time during the crash event. These direct measurements of delta-V can be used to evaluate the accuracy of WinSmash or CRASH3 delta-V estimates.
In a study of 65 real-world crashed vehicles, Gabler et al (2004) compared the delta-V measured by Event Data Recorders with the delta-V estimated by WinSmash, and found that WinSmash underestimates longitudinal delta-V by 25% on average. The number of cases in the study was too small however to explore the reasons for this inaccuracy. In this paper, this issue is revisited with an expanded EDR data set to determine the reasons for WinSmash inaccuracy.
Advertising in the ARC Network
The ARC Network offers advertising solutions to anyone interested in promoting their product or service to the industry of Accident Reconstruction and Traffic Accident Investigation. If you are looking to target this industry... there is no better place to advertise!
The ARC Network understands all advertising needs are different. We have developed highly effective, easy to implement, advertising methods for companies to gain the most benefit from the ARC Network and also to fit your advertising budget. For all the promotion, traffic, and service we provide compared to other advertising methods you quickly realize the value of advertising with the ARC Network.
Advertising Options
- Banner Advertising
- Newsletter Advertising
- Products Directory Listing
- Page Sponsorship
- Email Advertising
- Conference Sponsorship
- Co-op Direct Mail Marketing
Why Advertise on the ARC Network?
- The ARC Network is the most visited web site for Accident Reconstruction and Traffic Accident Investigation. We receive over 2.5 million hits per month.
- The ARC Network is ranked in the top position of ALL MAJOR SEARCH ENGINES making it easy for people interested in your product to find you.
- The ARC Network is a trusted, proven, non-biased web site resource for this industry.
Complete information about advertising with the ARC Network can be found in our advertising section.
Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval
System
Special Offer from the ARC Network
FREE CDR CERTIFICATION COURSE
with Purchase of a Vetronix CDR SystemThe Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System has fast become an indispensable part of a complete crash reconstruction program. Police agencies, private reconstructionists, government agencies and other safety researchers have fast come to the realization that data stored in the air bag control module and accessible using the Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System is an invaluable part of a complete and thorough crash reconstruction.
Whether for trial, research, or any other crash related safety program, the Crash Data Retrieval System has become an integral tool in the effort to move roadway safety efforts forward.
Purchase a CDR System through the ARC Network and choose between:
- FREE tuition to a CDR Technician and Data Analyst Certification course ($450 value) offered by Collision Safety Institute plus a free one-year membership to the ARC Network. click here to review the open classes
OR (if you choose or have already taken the certification course)
- A $200 Cash rebate and a free one-year membership to the ARC Network.
>> Click
here for Complete Information
or call the ARC Network toll free (866) 223-4984
ARC Network New Members
Please welcome the newest members of the ARC Network.
If you would like to become a member and support the Accident Reconstruction Network, please visit the Membership Section and sign up directly online through our secure server.
Name Company/Department State David Garcia
Phoenix Police Department AZ James Quinn Clarkstown Police Department NY J. Wybraniec
MI Frank Ruggiero Tarpoon Springs Police Department FL Robert Bialosky
Chagrin Valley Enforcement Group OH Michael Fincher AL Campbell County Police Department IL Barry Raftery Raftery Engineering & Investigations Ontario Collin Redden ESS Consultants Grand Cayman Michael Allard
Northeast Diagramming Services MA John Liechty Engineering Design & Testing Corp. Lloyd Martin Ray Turner
School Bus Accident Reconstruction TX Robert Siron Bloomington Police Department Michael Deneed Chicago PD IL Michael Anderson
Salt Lake City Sheriff UT
Events, Conferences & Seminars
The ARC Network host a comprehensive calendar of events relating to the accident reconstruction and traffic accident investigation industry. New events are always being added. It is free to add as many events as you wish. SImply visit this section of the ARC Network and browse through the current events or add your event to the list.
We have currently all courses from:
- Northwestern University Center for Public Safety
- IPTM - Accident Investigation courses
- All classes offered by Rudy Degger
- All CDR Certification courses offered by Collision Safety Institute
Accident Reconstruction News Articles
The ARC Network continually posts news articles relating to accident reconstruction, traffic accident investigation and automotive safety. The newest articles are always posted on the ARC Network's homepage and all the archived articles are posted in the ARC News Section.
Following are the news articles posted in December 2006:
December 22, 2006
UPDATE 1-Chrysler recalls over 68,000 new vehiclesDecember 19, 2006
U.S. safety group warns of subcompact crash risksDecember 11, 2006
VIDEO from Medialink and General Motors: State-of-the-Art Testing Facility Opens to Study Deadly Rollover CrashesDecember 11, 2006
Shenandoah Police Department Now Backed by More Muscle and Safety FeaturesDecember 8, 2006
Volkswagen Recalls Passat VehiclesDecember 8, 2006
Study Provides Researchers with Important New Tools to Measure Driver DistractionDecember 5, 2006
Study Identifies Need for New Approaches for Child Passenger SafetyDecember 4, 2006
2007 Honda CR-V Earns National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5-Star Ratings in Crash Safety TestsDecember 4, 2006
Kia Sportage Earns Five-star Crash Safety Rating From U.S. Government
Each month the ARC Network
continues to grow with new memberships and contacts.
We now have over 700 members and going strong. We would like to thank
everyone for their support.
The ARC Network would like to thank everyone
for continuing to make the
ARC Network the number one web site for accident reconstruction and traffic
investigation.
Please
direct any questions regarding this issue of the Accident Reconstruction
Newsletter to
the ARC Network
©
2006 ARC Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
Any comments, questions or suggestions should be e-mailed
to the ARC Network.
ARC
NETWORK QUICK LINKS
Homepage | Contact
Us | Guest Book | Advertising
AR News | Book
Store | Corporate Directory | Discussion
Forum | Education | Events
Calendar | Expert Witness
Directory | Membership
Newsletter | Organizations
| Police Department Directory | Research
Directory