Citation

Rose N, Beauchamp G. Collision 2010; 5(1): 74-82.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous studies have proposed that using a linearly decreasing deceleration rate across the roll distance produced more accurate translational and angular velocity time histories than using a constant deceleration rate when reconstructing rollover accidents. This paper further develops this variable deceleration rate approach to rollover crash reconstruction. A set of equations is developed for applying a variable deceleration rate approach using a linearly decreasing deceleration rate. In conjunction with these equations, analytical uncertainty analysis techniques are used to explore the manner in which uncertainties will propagate to the calculated vehicle velocity histories. These equations are applied to analyze two rollover crash tests. Findings demonstrate that this simple variable deceleration rate approach yields better results than the constant deceleration rate approach that is typically used in rollover reconstruction.