Title: A computational dynamical model for traffic accident reconstruction

Authors: J.A. Lozano, C. Vera, J. Felez

Addresses: Universidad Politecnica de Madrid c/ Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain. ' Universidad Politecnica de Madrid c/ Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain. ' Universidad Politecnica de Madrid c/ Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: SINRAT is a computer program for reconstruction of traffic accidents, one that constitutes a powerful tool in the calculation applicable to the investigation, reconstruction and analysis of the damage produced in traffic accidents. SINRAT is provided with an input data pre-processor that allows the introduction of all the factors involved in an accident like braking, acceleration and steering manoeuvres executed by drivers, road profile, etc. SINRAT includes a database where the technical features of about 7000 vehicles are found, so that when it is necessary to reconstruct an accident, you just have to indicate the make and model of the implicated vehicles. SINRAT incorporates a simulation model of the behaviour of vehicles using the bond graph technique. Each vehicle is considered as a three-dimensional body, linked to the wheels through the suspension system. The tyre-road contact is also modelled. The collision model used permits simulation of the behaviour of the vehicles before, during and after the collision. This collision takes into account also the stiffness of the car|s body and its energy absorption during the collision. SINRAT incorporates a driver model that determines the steering manoeuvre so that the vehicle traces a prearranged trajectory. It incorporates also the possibility to introduce the real profile of the road when it refers to the raisings, ramps, transition curves, etc. Even more, it includes an algorithm for the automatic reconstruction of traffic accidents, which permits calculation of vehicle velocity from the data at the scene of the accident. Starting from these data, the program reconstructs the accident varying the collision velocities until it reproduces the point of collision as well as the final positions of all vehicles. Lastly, SINRAT possesses a graphic post-processor which permits the visualisation of the movements of the vehicles and the visualisation of variables in terms of x-y plots.

Keywords: bond graphs; collisions; crashes; accident reconstruction; traffic accidents; dynamical modelling; simulation; visualisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1998.062104

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1998 Vol.19 No.2, pp.213 - 227

Published online: 29 May 2014 *

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