Open AccessAdvanced Forensic Engineering Analysis of a School Bus/Tractor-Trailer Crash
Author(s) -
Richard M. Ziernicki,
William H. Pierce,
Angelos G. Leiloglou
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of the national academy of forensic engineers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.102
H-Index - 1
eISSN - 2379-3252
pISSN - 2379-3244
DOI - 10.51501/jotnafe.v33i1.24
Subject(s) - kinematics , crash , photogrammetry , tractor , software , engineering , computer science , automotive engineering , aeronautics , simulation , artificial intelligence , physics , classical mechanics , programming language
This paper presents advanced techniques used to reconstruct a motor vehicle accident involving a fully loaded tractor-trailer and school bus with 30 young students. The accident investigation included analysis of the physical evidence using photogrammetry and high-definition laser scanning, application of engine control module (ECM) and global positioning system (GPS) data, and analyzing onboard video footage from the bus. Momentum-based crash simulation software (PC-Crash) was used to simulate the accident. The simulation data was compared with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data and with the onboard bus video footage. Further, rigid-body kinematic equations were used to determine occupant kinematics (velocities) and dynamics (accelerations). Multiple graphics are used to demonstrate the accident reconstruction and occupant kinematics and dynamics.