Overview

Over the past 25 years, Harold and Darren Franck have investigated hundreds of accidents involving vehicles of almost every shape, size, and type imaginable. In Mathematical Methods for Accident Reconstruction: A Forensic Engineering Perspective, these seasoned experts demonstrate the application of mathematics to modeling accident reconstructions involving a range of moving vehicles, including automobiles, small and large trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and construction equipment such as hoists and cranes. The book is anchored on basic principles of physics that may be applied to any of the above-named vehicles or equipment. Topics covered include the foundations of measurement, the various energy methods used in reconstruction, momentum methods, vehicle specifications, failure analysis, geometrical characteristics of highways, and softer scientific issues such as visibility, perception, and reaction. The authors examine the fundamental characteristics of different vehicles, discuss the retrieval of data from crash data recorders, and review low speed impacts with an analysis of staged collisions. Finally, the book details standards and protocols for accident reconstruction. Exploring a broad range of accident scenarios and also acknowledging the limits of applicability of the various physical methods employed, the breadth and depth of the book's coverage makes it a critical reference for engineers and scientists who perform vehicular accident reconstructions.

Full Product Details

Author:   Harold Franck ,  Darren Franck
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Inc
Imprint:   CRC Press Inc
ISBN:  

9781420089011

ISBN 10:   1420089013
Pages:   328
Publication Date:   15 September 2009
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Electronic book text
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.

Table of Contents

Introduction Basic Principles Introduction Coordinate Systems Basic Principles of Physics Uniformly Accelerated Linear Motion Motion in a Plane Projectile Motion Uniformly Accelerated Curvilinear Motion Relation Between Angular and Linear Velocity and Acceleration Newton's First Law Newton's Second Law Newton's Third Law Center of Gravity or Mass Impulse and Momentum Conservation of Momentum Conservation of Energy and Work Kinetic Energy Potential Energy due to Gravity Elastic Potential Energy Dissipation and Conservation of Forces Internal Work, Energy, Power, and Velocity Change in Velocity Evidence Gathering Introduction Measurements Photography Computer Techniques Photogrammetry Energy Methods Introduction Friction Critical Speed - Straight Trajectory Stopping Distance Friction and the Speed of a Vehicle Critical Speed - Curved Trajectory Critical Speed - Curved Trajectory with Superelevation Conservation of Energy Analysis Generalized Critical Speed Analysis Critical Speed from Yaw and Rollover Extension on Minimum Speed Calculations When Radius Cannot be Determined Uniquely Crush Analysis Tree Impacts Momentum Methods Introduction Elastic and Inelastic Collisions Elastic Collisions Conservation of Linear Momentum Conservation of Linear Momentum with Restitution Conservation of Rotational Momentum Combined Linear and Rotational Momentum Rotational Momentum - Alternate Solution Parametric Analysis for Left-of-Center Collisions Plastic - Elastic Analysis Vehicle Specifications Introduction Calculation of Center of Mass Techniques Rollover/Tipover Gouge Spacing Vehicle Performance Characteristics Introduction Systems and Performance Characteristics Failure Analysis Testing of Components Bicycles, Motorcycles, and Pedestrians Introduction Vaulting of Pedestrians Gyroscopic Action in Two-Wheeled Vehicles Determination of Pedestrian Speed from Vehicle Damage Vehicular Collisions with Pedestrians or Bicyclists Geometrical Characteristics of Highways Introduction - Interstates, Limited Access Highways, and Rural Roads Classification and Design Speed Traffic Control Devices Site Distance Horizontal Curves Vertical Curves - Sag and Crest Conclusions Train Accidents Introduction Train Resistance and Effect of Curvature and Grade Computation of Train Speed Train Crossings Train Manifest and Recorders Site Distance Triangle Commercial and Off-Road Vehicles Introduction Federal Motor Vehicle Regulations - FMV 49 Tractor-Trailers Off-Tracking for Coupled Vehicles Construction Equipment Visibility, Perception, and Reaction Introduction Limitations of Human Factors Analysis Design Standards Capability of Drivers Computer Methods Introduction Numerical Methods Commercially Available Programs Reconstruction Tools Low Speed Impacts and Injury Introduction Methods of Analysis Biomechanics of Injury Standards and Protocols Introduction Protocol for Inspections ASTM Standards FMV Requirements SAE Standards Sensitivity and Uncertainty Introduction Sensitivity and Uncertainty References

Reviews

Author Information

Harold Franck and Darren Franck are experts in accident reconstruction and have worked on hundreds of investigations.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions